Various types of Euphorbia are super popular guests in our living rooms, but did you know some varieties are actually tough enough for your backyard garden? If you’re wondering whether your plant can handle a cold snap, we’ve got you covered.
The Euphorbia Family
The name “Euphorbia” is actually a huge umbrella term for over 2,000 different subspecies. Because the family is so massive, there’s no “one size fits all” rule for taking care of them—their needs are as diverse as their looks! These plants, also commonly known as spurges, are found all over the globe. Whether you have a delicate houseplant or a rugged, winter-hardy shrub depends entirely on which specific variety you’ve got. Step one is definitely identifying exactly which species is sitting in your pot or garden bed.
Frost-Sensitive Varieties
Many Euphorbia subspecies hail from tropical or subtropical regions, and some even call the desert home. It’s no surprise, then, that these guys struggle with chilly northern winters. And we’re not just talking about freezing temperatures—some varieties are so sensitive that they start shivering once the thermometer drops below 50°F (10°C).
These delicate types should live indoors or in a sunroom year-round. They’ll love spending the summer out on your patio, but just make sure to bring them back inside well before the first frost hits. Check out the list at the end of this post for the most common frost-sensitive types.
Winter-Hardy Varieties
On the flip side, some members of the spurge family are surprisingly tough, withstanding icy temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C). These hardy varieties usually stay under three feet tall and look quite different from their succulent-like indoor cousins. In the garden, they generally thrive in moist, nutrient-rich soil.
Euphorbia Winter Care: The Quick Facts
- The Euphorbia genus includes over 2,000 subspecies.
- Knowing your specific variety is key to keeping it alive!
- Frost-sensitive varieties: African Milk Tree, Pencil Cactus, Candelabra Tree.
- These are best grown as houseplants or in a heated greenhouse.
- The popular “Diamond Frost” variety also needs a protected spot to overwinter.
- Winter-hardy varieties: Snow-on-the-Mountain (Euphorbia marginata), Petty Spurge, Marsh Spurge.
- These can often handle temperatures well below freezing without a problem.
