Euphorbia Fens Ruby

Description

Euphorbia cyparissias ‘Fens Ruby’ – cypress spurge

Botanical name: Euphorbia cyparissias ‘Fens Ruby’
Common names: Cypress spurge
Family: Euphorbiaceae (spurge family)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Low, spreading, running by underground runners
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 25–30cm tall × spreading widely
Foliage: Fine, feathery, needle-like foliage, deep purple-red when young, maturing to blue-green; deciduous
Flowers: Heads of acid yellow-green flower bracts in late spring and early summer (May–June)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained; poor to average; drought-tolerant; dislikes wet; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 4–8
Exposure: Open, sunny; drought-tolerant
Native range: Garden form; the genus is native to Europe and beyond
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Caution — the milky sap is a serious skin and eye irritant, and the plant is harmful if eaten; always wear gloves and eye protection when cutting

Euphorbia ‘Fens Ruby’ is a low, spreading cypress spurge with fine feathery foliage, purple-red when young, and acid-yellow spring bracts. Pretty groundcover for sun — but it runs, so site it with care.

GardenAdvice notes

A charming, fine-textured spurge, ‘Fens Ruby’ forms low carpets of feathery, needle-like foliage that emerges a lovely deep purple-red before maturing to blue-green, studded in late spring with heads of acid yellow-green bracts. It is pretty and drought-tolerant — but it spreads energetically by underground runners, so it needs to be planted where it can roam, or contained, rather than dropped into a choice border.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade — euphorbias thrive on poor, dry soils and dislike rich, wet ground. Improve heavy soil with grit. Space appropriately for size. Water only while establishing; thereafter they are drought-tolerant.

Care & maintenance

It spreads vigorously by underground runners, so lift and reduce it, or contain it, to keep it in bounds. Cut back after flowering to freshen the foliage. Water only while establishing. Crucially, always wear gloves, cover your arms and protect your eyes when cutting or handling euphorbia, as the milky sap is a serious irritant. Wash any sap off skin immediately.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide, or detach rooted runners, in spring — very easy, as it spreads readily.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free and tough. Its main issue is its own vigour, spreading widely by runners, which can make it a nuisance in a small or choice border. Euphorbia rust occasionally occurs.

Uses in the garden

Useful as pretty, drought-tolerant groundcover on banks, in gravel and wilder or larger areas where its spread is welcome, or grown in a container to contain it.

Wildlife value

The long-lasting flowerheads are attractive to bees, hoverflies and other pollinating insects, particularly valuable in spring when few other plants are in flower.

Toxicity & safety

All euphorbias exude a milky white sap when cut or damaged, which is a serious irritant — it can cause painful skin rashes and burns, and is especially dangerous if it gets in the eyes. Always wear gloves, cover your arms and protect your eyes when cutting or handling it, wash any sap off immediately, and keep it away from children and pets. The plant is also harmful if eaten.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Fens Ruby’ is a pretty thing — feathery purple-red young growth and acid-yellow spring bracts — but be warned: it runs energetically by underground runners and can become a nuisance in a small or precious border. Plant it where it can roam freely as groundcover, or keep it in a pot. And, as with all euphorbias, wear gloves and eye protection, as the sap is a serious irritant.

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