Cushion Spurge Euphorbia epithymoides 'Midas'
ABOUT
The plant known as cushion spurge 'Midas' is a visually striking perennial with a mound-shaped habit. Its foliage is primarily a bright, vibrant green, forming a dense cluster of leaves. In the spring, the leaves near the top of the plant may take on a yellowish hue, providing a contrasting halo effect. This yellow is not the actual flower, but modified leaves called bracts that surround the true flowers, which are quite inconspicuous. In the fall, the foliage turns to stunning shades of red, orange, or purple, adding autumnal interest to the garden. The cushion spurge 'Midas' is drought resistant once established and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, making it a versatile and hardy addition to any landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Euphorbiaceae
Synonyms
Cushion Spurge, Polychrome Spurge
Common names
Euphorbia polychroma 'Midas'.
ToxicityTo humans
Cushion spurge, including the 'Midas' cultivar, contains a toxic white milky sap that is present in all parts of the plant. This sap can cause skin irritations, redness, swelling, and blistering upon contact. If ingested, the sap can cause severe pain in the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, ingesting the plant can lead to more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, intense gastrointestinal distress, or systemic reactions in individuals with latex allergies. It is important to handle cushion spurge with care and seek medical attention if significant exposure occurs.
To pets
Cushion spurge, including the 'Midas' cultivar, is toxic to pets due to the white milky sap found throughout the plant. This sap is an irritant and can cause symptoms such as skin irritations and inflammation if it comes into contact with your pet's skin or fur. If ingested, the sap can lead to salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can result in lethargy, weakness, or more serious gastrointestinal distress. If your pet shows signs of poisoning after contact with cushion spurge, it is important to seek veterinary attention promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Care For: Euphorbia epithymoides 'Midas', also known as Cushion Spurge, is a hardy and low-maintenance perennial, suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright yellow-green flowers attract bees and butterflies, encouraging pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Cushion Spurge is drought resistant, making it ideal for xeriscaping or gardens in arid climates.
- Deer Resistant: The milky sap found in the stems and leaves is a natural deterrent to deer, reducing the likelihood of them eating the plant.
- Seasonal Interest: The plant's showy, chartreuse-yellow bracts provide a vibrant color in the spring garden, while its foliage turns red in the fall.
- Good Ground Cover: Cushion Spurge has a bushy growth habit that can help cover bare spots in the garden and suppress weeds.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system can help stabilize the soil on slopes, preventing soil erosion.
- Non-Invasive: This variety of Euphorbia is not known to be invasive and is considered garden-friendly.
- Versatile in Design: Suitable for borders, rock gardens, and as an accent plant, providing flexibility in garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography: Euphorbia epithymoides 'Midas', commonly known as cushion spurge, due to its vibrant, yellow-green coloring in spring can be a captivating subject for nature and garden photography.
- Art Inspiration: The unique spherical shape and striking color of cushion spurge can inspire artists to create paintings, sculptures, and other forms of art.
- Dye Making: The bright yellow flowers and bracts can potentially be used as a natural dye source for fabrics or crafts.
- Educational Tool: Cushion spurge can be used in educational settings, such as schools and botanical gardens, to teach about plant lifecycles, pollination, and non-native species.
- Landscape Design: The plant's mounded growth habit and seasonal interest can be utilized by landscape architects in designing gardens and public spaces.
- Garden Themes: Cushion spurge can be used to create specific garden themes, such as a yellow-themed garden or a xeriscape garden due to its drought tolerance.
- Ground Cover: Its dense growth can help with soil erosion control and suppressing weeds in garden beds.
- Drama in Planters: Cushion spurge's striking appearance adds visual drama to mixed planters, providing a pop of color alongside other plants.
- Seasonal Decorations: The plant can be used in outdoor fall decorations, as the foliage takes on reddish, orange, or purple tints.
- Craft Projects: Dried seed heads and stems of the cushion spurge can be used in homemade wreaths and dried flower arrangements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cushion spurge is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cushion spurge is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience and Persistence: The Euphorbia epithymoides 'Midas', also known as Cushion Spurge, is a hardy plant that thrives in various conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and adapt to challenges.
- Protection: Euphorbias are known for their toxic sap, which can cause irritation; thus, they are sometimes associated with protective qualities, symbolizing a barrier against negativity and harm.
- Healing: Historically, some Euphorbia species were used for medicinal purposes, so they may symbolize healing and the treatment of ailments.
- New Beginnings: The vibrant green and yellow colors of the Cushion Spurge in spring can represent renewal, growth, and the start of new phases in life.
WaterFor the Cushion Spurge, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually about once a week during active growth seasons, spring and summer. In the winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant goes dormant. Provide the plant with approximately 1 gallon of water, ensuring even distribution across the soil to reach the roots. During the hotter months or if the plant is in a particularly sun-soaked area, monitor the soil moisture closely as you may need to water more frequently to prevent drying out.
LightCushion Spurge thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot is where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If placed in too much shade, the plant may not bloom as vigorously and could become leggy as it stretches towards the light.
TemperatureCushion Spurge is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, it prefers the temperature to be between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. Avoid exposing the plant to extreme cold or heat for prolonged periods.
PruningPrune Cushion Spurge to maintain its shape, remove spent flowers, and encourage more blooms. It's best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Typically, pruning once a year is sufficient. Cut back the old foliage to the base to make room for fresh growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCushion spurge prefers well-drained soil with a mix of two parts garden soil, one part sand or perlite, and one part peat or compost for organic matter. The ideal soil pH for Cushion spurge is around neutral to slightly alkaline, between 6.5 and 7.5.
RepottingCushion spurge does not usually require frequent repotting. Repotting can be done every two to three years or when the plant outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingCushion spurge is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations; average room humidity is usually adequate for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, avoiding deep shade for Cushion spurge.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-draining soil for Cushion spurge.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleEuphorbia polychroma 'Midas', also known as Cushion Spurge 'Midas', begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires a period of damp, cold conditions to germinate. Upon sprouting in early spring, the seedling develops a tap root and begins to grow its characteristic green foliage, which turns to a brilliant yellow as it matures. In late spring to early summer, the plant reaches its flowering stage, producing small, inconspicuous flowers that are surrounded by showy, yellow bracts giving it a vibrant appearance. After pollination by insects, the Cushion Spurge 'Midas' sets seed in late summer or early fall, which are eventually dispersed by various means, such as wind or animal movement. As a perennial, the above-ground foliage of the plant dies back in the fall, entering a dormant stage during winter, while the root system remains alive underground. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, the plant emerges from dormancy, and the life cycle begins anew with new growth sprouting from the rootstock.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Euphorbia epithymoides 'Midas', commonly known as Cushion Spurge, is often propagated by seed or division. The most popular method is division, which is best done in spring or autumn. To propagate by division, gently lift the plant from the soil, ensuring you have a good amount of roots attached. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the root ball into smaller sections, each with a section of the crown and several roots. Ideally, sections should be about 3 to 4 inches (about 7.5 to 10 cm) across. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into well-draining soil at the same depth they were originally growing. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them.
