Euphorbia Amygdaloides Purpurea Wood Spurge

Euphorbia Amygdaloides Purpurea, also known as Wood Spurge Purpurea, is an elegant evergreen perennial that brings year-round colour and contrast to UK gardens. With its striking deep purple foliage and stems, this Euphorbia variety is a true standout, particularly when its vivid lime-green flowers appear in spring and early summer. This colour combination creates a dramatic effect, brightening shaded areas and adding depth to borders, woodlands and contemporary planting schemes.

Unlike many perennials that fade back in winter, Euphorbia Purpurea remains evergreen, holding onto its rich foliage and ensuring reliable structure and colour even in the coldest months. Its natural habitat is woodland edges, and it is especially valuable for UK gardens where versatility and resilience are important. It is also recognised with the RHS Perfect for Pollinators badge, making it a garden-friendly choice that supports biodiversity.

While closely related, Euphorbia Amygdaloides Purpurea differs noticeably from Euphorbia Amygdaloides. The species form, often called Wood Spurge, carries green foliage throughout the year and has a fresher, more woodland-natural look. By contrast, Euphorbia Amygdaloides Purpurea has rich purple stems and leaves, giving it a dramatic, ornamental quality that stands out in borders and shaded planting schemes. Both share the same lime green flowers in spring and early summer.

Height and Width of Euphorbia Amygdaloides Purpurea

This variety grows up to around 75 cm tall with a spread of about 60 cm, making it an ideal mid-height perennial for mixed borders, woodland gardens or shaded beds. Its compact yet bushy habit allows it to integrate beautifully with both formal and naturalistic plantings.

How hardy is Euphorbia Amygdaloides Purpurea?

Wood Spurge Purpurea is reliably hardy across most of the UK. It thrives in a wide range of conditions, from full sun to full shade.  It will even grow in dry shade but prefers moist shade. The evergreen foliage ensures structure all year round, while the strong stems withstand the elements. Once established, it is generally drought tolerant and requires little maintenance.

Uses in Garden and Landscape

The dramatic foliage colour makes Euphorbia Purpurea a perfect companion to lighter green and silver-leaved plants. It works particularly well with other shade-loving perennials such as hellebores, ferns and hostas, as well as spring bulbs that highlight its vivid flowers. In mixed borders, its purple tones complement ornamental grasses, salvias and hardy geraniums. It is an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly planting, offering pollen and nectar in early spring when food sources are scarce.

Care Tips

This perennial is easy to care for and requires minimal pruning. Remove spent flower stems after blooming to keep the plant tidy and encourage fresh growth. When handling Euphorbias, always wear gloves, as the milky sap can be irritating to the skin. Plant in well-drained soil, and avoid waterlogging, which can harm the roots. Once settled, Wood Spurge Purpurea is a long-lived and low-maintenance addition to any garden.

Awards: Perfect for Pollinators Badge – a mark of its value to bees and other beneficial insects.