Grow Guide: Euphorbia ‘Miner’s Merlot’

Bold foliage and subtle blooms for year-round interest

🌿 Plant Overview

Botanical Name: Euphorbia ‘Miner’s Merlot’
Common Name: Miner’s Merlot spurge
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Type: Evergreen perennial or subshrub
Hardiness: RHS H4 (–10°C to –5°C)
Height & Spread: 45–60cm tall × 45cm wide
Foliage: Deep burgundy-purple with a silvery sheen
Flowers: Lime-green bracts with maroon centers, in spring to early summer
Scent: Not fragrant

🌱 Planting

Best Time to Plant: Spring or early autumn
Soil: Well-drained soil is essential
Soil Type: Grows well in loam, chalk, or sandy soil
Not Suitable For: Heavy clay unless amended with grit and compost for drainage
pH: Tolerates neutral to alkaline soils
Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade
Spacing: Space 40–50cm apart

Tip: Avoid planting in areas prone to winter waterlogging – roots are prone to rot in soggy soils.

🌼 Seasonal Interest

Flowering Time: April to June
Foliage Interest: Year-round, particularly striking in winter and early spring

🌦️ Care & Maintenance

Watering

Drought tolerant once established
Water new plants during dry spells until roots are established

Feeding

Not heavy feeders
Light mulch in spring with compost or fine gravel to keep weeds down

Pruning & Tidying

Cut spent flower stems back to the base after flowering
Wear gloves when cutting: milky sap can irritate skin and eyes

Pests & Diseases

Generally pest- and disease-free
May get root rot in poorly drained soils

🌸 Design Tips

Great for modern borders, gravel gardens, Mediterranean or dry gardens
Combines beautifully with grasses, Alliums, Eryngiums, and Sedums
Colour contrast works well against silver-leaved or lime-green foliage plants

🪴 Container Growing

Grows well in containers with free-draining compost (e.g., John Innes No. 2 + grit)
Choose a sunny, sheltered spot
Ensure pots do not sit in water in winter

✂️ Propagation

By Cuttings:
- Take softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in late spring or early summer
- Allow milky sap to dry before inserting into compost
By Division:
- Divide established clumps in early spring if needed, but not often required

⚠️ Safety Note

All parts are toxic if eaten
Milky sap can irritate skin and eyes – always wear gloves when handling or pruning

🔁 Troubleshooting

Problem	Likely Cause	Solution
Wilting or rot	Poor drainage, especially in winter	Improve soil or lift and replant in a drier spot
Lack of colour	Too much shade	Move to sunnier position
Leggy growth	Ageing stems or low light	Cut back to base in early spring

🌿 Summary

Euphorbia ‘Miner’s Merlot’ is a tough, architectural plant perfect for modern and drought-tolerant gardens. Its year-round foliage interest and striking spring flowers make it a valuable plant for structure, colour, and texture in sun or light shade.