DESCRIPTION: First Blush Spurge has masses of beautiful cymes of yellow flowers with chartreuse bracts at the ends of the stems from mid to late spring, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its attractive narrow leaves emerge rose in spring, turning green in colour with showy white variegation and tinges of pink. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous brick red in the fall. 

BOTANICAL NAME: Euphorbia polychroma 'First Blush'
AVERAGE MATURE HEIGHT: 30 cm
AVERAGE MATURE SPREAD: 45 cm
SUN EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial shade
FLOWER COLOUR: Yellow
FLOWERING TIME: Mid spring
FOLIAGE COLOUR: Emerge rosy pink, mature to variegated green and white with tinges of pink, turning brick red in fall
COLD HARDINESS: Zone 3 ( Should survive up to -39.9° Celsius )
WATER NEEDS: Drought tolerant
OTHER FEATURES: Border, Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Attractive Foliage

Landscape Attributes

First Blush Spurge is an herbaceous perennial with a mounded form. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

First Blush Spurge is recommended for the following landscape applications:

• Mass Planting
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

First Blush Spurge will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Parts of the plant are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.