Spurge [Blackbird] Euphorbia Blackbird = 'Nothowlee' (PBR)

Water

The Spurge 'Blackbird', or Euphorbia 'Blackbird', requires moderate watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Typically, this might equate to watering once every week or two depending on the environmental conditions, but this frequency may decrease during the winter months when the plant goes dormant. When you do water, thoroughly soak the soil until water runs freely from the drainage holes of the pot, ensuring that the plant receives approximately 16 to 32 ounces of water during each session. Adjust the amount based on the pot size and the season, being careful to avoid waterlogging as this can lead to root rot.

Light

Spurge 'Blackbird' thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is an area where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, making south or west-facing locations optimal. While it can tolerate partial shade, too little light may reduce the vibrancy of its foliage color.

Temperature

Spurge 'Blackbird' is a hardy plant, preferring temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, which are ideal for its growth. However, it is capable of surviving brief periods of much lower temperatures down to approximately 30°F, as well as higher temperatures as long as it is well-watered. This plant is generally hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, making it a versatile addition to many gardens.

Pruning

Prune the Spurge 'Blackbird' in the early spring to shape the plant and to remove any dead or damaged stems, which will promote new growth and improve air circulation. Pruning can be done occasionally throughout the growing season to maintain its shape and size. The best time to perform significant pruning is shortly before new growth begins, typically just as the frost eases.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Euphorbia 'Blackbird' prefers a well-draining soil mix, combining loam, perlite, or coarse sand for drainage, and organic matter such as compost to keep the soil fertile. Ideally, the soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Euphorbia 'Blackbird' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when outgrowing its current pot. Ensure the new pot is slightly larger and has good drainage to accommodate the plant's growth.

Humidity & Misting

Euphorbia 'Blackbird' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate humidity conditions. Avoid excessively high humidity to prevent issues with rot or fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in a bright spot, away from direct sun.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

Euphorbia Blackbird, commonly known as Spurge, begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating in warm, well-drained soil in early to mid-spring. Seedlings emerge and grow rapidly, developing into mature plants with characteristic dark purple leaves and contrasting yellow-green flowers. This perennial reaches full maturity within a few months, where it typically forms compact mounds of foliage. During the summer, the Spurge blooms and may attract pollinators, after which it may produce seeds for the next generation. As winter approaches, the plant becomes dormant, though in milder climates, some foliage may persist. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, the cycle restarts as new growth emerges from the plant's crown or from self-sown seeds.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Euphorbia Blackbird, more commonly known as Euphorbia 'Blackbird', is typically propagated through stem cuttings. The most favorable time for propagation is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a gardener should select a healthy, unflowered stem and cut it to about 3 to 6 inches (approximately 7.5 to 15 cm) in length using a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears. The cut end of the stem should be allowed to dry and callous over for a couple of days to reduce the risk of rot when planted. Once calloused, the cutting can be inserted into a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to encourage root development. This method typically leads to successful propagation of the Euphorbia Blackbird, as it encourages new root growth from the cut end of the stem.