Martin's Spurge Euphorbia × martini 'Walberton's Red Flush'

Names

• Family

  Euphorbiaceae

• Synonyms

  Martin's Spurge, Red Martin Spurge

• Common names

  Euphorbia × martini 'Walberton's Red Flush'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The Martin's spurge is considered toxic to humans due to the latex-like sap contained within its stems and leaves. This sap can cause skin irritation upon contact, including redness, swelling, and blistering. If ingested, the sap of Martin's spurge can irritate the mouth, throat, and stomach, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion might cause more serious systemic effects, though this is relatively rare. As a precaution, always wear gloves when handling the plant and avoid touching your face or eyes.

• To pets

  Martin's spurge is also toxic to pets, as the sap contains irritants that can cause similar reactions as seen in humans. If a pet chews on or ingests parts of the plant, symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and rarely more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing. Contact with the skin can lead to dermatitis, and if the sap gets into the eyes, it can cause pain and temporary vision problems. Therefore, it is important to keep Martin's spurge out of reach of pets and seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has ingested this plant.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Red

• Height

  2 feet (60 cm)

• Spread

  2 feet (60 cm)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  7

• Native area

  Hybrid

General Benefits

• Low Maintenance: Martin's Spurge 'Walberton's Red Flush' does not require frequent watering or care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels.
• Drought Tolerant: This plant is well-suited to dry conditions, requiring minimal supplemental water after establishment.
• Year-Round Interest: The plant features evergreen foliage and vibrant bracts that provide visual interest throughout the year.
• Attracts Wildlife: The colorful bracts and nectar-rich flowers can attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees to the garden.
• Deer Resistant: Martin's Spurge 'Walberton's Red Flush' is not favored by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage from grazing.
• Versatile Placement: Suitable for planting in beds, borders, and containers, adding flexibility in garden design.
• Ground Cover: Owing to its spreading habit, it can act as an effective ground cover, suppressing weeds and covering bare spots.
• Foliage Contrast: It provides excellent foliage contrast in the garden with its dark green leaves flushed red.
• Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings with little additional cost.
• Cold Hardy: This hybrid euphorbia can tolerate low temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Floral Arrangements: The Euphorbia × martini 'Walberton's Red Flush' can be used as a striking foliage contrast in floral arrangements, with its deep red tips and green body providing a unique touch to bouquets and centerpieces.
• Photography Subject: Photographers may take an interest in 'Red Martin' spurge for its unique coloration and structure, making it an interesting subject for botanical and garden photography.
• Educational Tool: This plant can serve as a resource for botany and horticulture students to study hybridization and plant adaptation, due to its cross-genus origins.
• Culinary Garnish: Although not edible, the vibrant foliage of the 'Red Martin' spurge can be used as a decorative, non-toxic garnish for plating in high-end culinary presentations.
• Natural Dye: The colorful sap of Euphorbia × martini 'Walberton's Red Flush' might be explored as a natural dye for fabrics, although it must be handled carefully due to its potential skin irritating properties.
• Living Sculptures: Garden designers can use this architectural plant to create living sculptures in gardens or as part of green installations in public spaces.
• Garden Photography Props: 'Red Martin' spurge can be used in garden magazines or promotions as props to add color and depth to garden scenes.
• Seasonal Festivities: The red and green color scheme of 'Red Martin' spurge makes it a pleasing addition to garden displays for Christmas and other festive holiday decorations.
• Landscape Contrast: This euphorbia can be planted in rocky or Mediterranean landscapes to provide aesthetic contrast with its sharp foliage against soft-textured plants like lavender or ornamental grasses.
• Environmental Art: Artists can incorporate 'Red Martin' spurge into environmental art pieces, using its form and color to create outdoor installations that interact with the natural landscape.

Feng Shui

The Spurge is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Spurge is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Resilience: Euphorbias are known for their hardy nature, able to withstand harsh conditions. 'Walberton's Red Flush', as a type of Spurge, symbolizes an individual's ability to endure and thrive through difficult times.
• Protection: Many Euphorbia species exude a milky sap when cut that can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes; thus, Spurge can represent protection and the ability to repel harm or negative forces.
• Purification: Historically, Spurge was used in traditional medicine to cleanse the body, symbolizing purification, cleansing from bad influences or negative thoughts.