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Euphorbia epithymoides (cushion spurge) in bloom
Euphorbia epithymoides (cushion spurge) summer foliage
Euphorbia epithymoides (polychroma) colorful fall foliage

cushion spurge

Euphorbia epithymoides (polychroma)

Euphorbia is one of the largest plant genera on earth and as such has the largest range of form and habit of any plant family. There are Euphorbias for hot dry places and for shady moist spots.

Commonly known as Cushion Spurge, E. polychroma is one of the best. It forms a rounded cushion of medium-green foliage that is topped by eye-catching yellow bracts in spring. It is one of the rare perennials that puts on spectacular show in fall when it turns shades of orange, red, and purple.

Distinctions: Winner of an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticulture Society

WARNING: May cause minor vomiting or stomach upset if ingested. Sap or juice may cause dermatitis.

Zones: 4 to 8
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Height: 12 to 24 in.
Spread: 12 to 24 in.
Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil: Dry, Well-drained, Undemanding
Bloom Time: May to June
Native Range: Central & South Eastern Europe to NW Turkey and Libya 

Special Characteristics
  • Deer-resistant
  • Rabbit resistant
  • Outstanding fall color
image credits

Image 1 - Chrumps, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Image 2-3 - Ali McEnhill at The Old Dairy

Regular price
$13.99
Regular price
Sale price
$13.99
Shipping calculated at checkout.

ships spring 2025

PLEASE KNOW: Plants shipped in early spring are likely to arrive dormant.
Euphorbia epithymoides (cushion spurge) in bloom
Euphorbia epithymoides (cushion spurge) summer foliage
Euphorbia epithymoides (polychroma) colorful fall foliage

Ordering information

Preorders

You may place your order anytime to reserve plants for spring 2025 shipment. If you place multiple orders, we will combine plants into one box (or as many as needed) and any extra shipping charges will be refunded when we ship.

We will begin shipping plants as soon as plants begin to emerge from dormancy in spring. Woodies will likely begin shipping in April. Perennials will likely begin shipping in May. If ordering multiple varieties, we will hold until all plants are ready to ship together. If you would like to receive plants sooner please reach out.

We will check in with you a week before shipping to make sure you receive your plants at a time that is convenient for you.

Shipping

Live plants ship in spring and fall only. Plants may ship dormant, depending on variety and season. Shipping costs are most reasonable when bundling like size plants.

  • 4-inch: 1-6 plants ship for $15.00 / 7-13 plants ship for $18.00 / 14-30 plants ship for $40.00
  • 1-gal: 1-2 plants ship for $18.00 / 3-4 plants ship for $25.00 / 5-6 plants ship for $40.00
  • trees & shrubs: $27.00-$40.00 each, height dependent

We regret that we cannot ship internationally or to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, or WA.

Read more about our shipping policies here.

Nursery pick up

Plants can be collected from the nursery Monday through Sunday from 10am-4pm in Spring, Summer, and Fall. We prefer 24 hour notice to get your order together and will email you when ready for collection.

If you place a SPRING 2025 PREORDER, we will contact you in spring when your plants are ready for collection. Woodies will likely become available for collection in April. Perennials will likely become available in May. If ordering multiple varieties, we will hold until all plants are ready to be collected together.

Plant Sizes

We most commonly use the following pot sizes for perennials:

  • 4-inch pot: 3.5" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D
  • 2-quart pot: 6" H x 5.25" W x 5.25" D
  • 1-gallon pot: 6.87" H x 8" Dia (this is a true one gallon pot, not the smaller 'trade' one gallon pot used by many nurseries)

Check out our illustrated pot size guide here.

Representative trees & shrubs are photographed in their pots and posted on each plant page.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at The Old Dairy. We grow all of our plants outdoors without the use of chemicals, fertilizers, carbon fuels, or peat.

Many of our perennials are grown in the ground and dug upon order (this is especially true for larger sizes). This practice allows us to grow stronger, healthier plants using native soil, and ultimately reduces our impact on the environment.

Our open-pollinated seeds are collected from plants in our mother beds, which have never been treated with chemicals or sprays of any kind.

Read all about our sustainable practices here.

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view this plant in our garden

Euphorbia epithymoides (polychroma) | The Loop 2023

seedling image

Euphorbia epithymoides (polychroma)

We are slowly creating a seedling image library to help make weeding easier.
garden location coming soongarden location coming soon
garden location coming soongarden location coming soon