Native to rocky areas across Southern Europe, Euphorbia myrsinites (commonly known as Myrtle Spurge or Donkey Tail) offers a structural quality that feels uniquely exotic.
Its growth is close to the ground, with stems that look remarkably geometric and almost snake-like, or like a dragon's tail.
It requires a location with good drainage year-round, making it perfect for the top of a stone wall, a rockery, or a dry gravel garden. Once established in the right place, this euphorbia is completely carefree since it needs no irrigation.
In Finland, it flowers with eye-catching acid yellow in late spring or early summer (around May in Zone I).
It is recommended to give it its own space so it can create a striking feature in your garden and not be shaded out by taller plants.
Despite its exotic look, this species has thrived here in our Zone 1 garden. It remains evergreen under the snow and looks good as soon as it emerges from its winter blanket. It has been tested by us here, enduring winter temperatures as low as –25°C. It can probably take the cold up to Zone III if given the right conditions.
