Euphorbia, Cushion Spurge 'Blackbird'

Euphorbia

Family
Euphorbiaceae (yoo-for-bee-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Euphorbia (yoo-FOR-bee-uh)
Synonym
Spacing
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Sun Exposure
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Danger
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Hardiness
Bloom Color
Bloom Time
Bloom Time
Bloom Color
Bloom Time
Bloom Time
Bloom Color
Bloom Color
Bloom Time
Other Details
Seed Collecting
Full Sun
Fruit Shape
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Fruit Size
Green
Fruit Colors
Mid Spring
Growing Habit
Grown for foliage
This plant is resistant to deer
Days to Maturity
Seed Type
Disease Resistance
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed
Leaf Type
Foliage Color
Bloom Characteristics
Water Requirements
Perennials
Where to Grow
Other details
Propagation Methods
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Soil pH requirements
Patent Information
Plant Size (check one)
Growing Habit
Growth Rate
Leaf Shape
Leaf Appearance
Degree to which the appearance is present
Leaf Texture (top)
Leaf Texture (bottom)
Leaf Color
Color of Leaf Margin
Leaf Substance
Number of Vein Pairs
Appearance of Margin
Margin Width
Flower Shape
Flower Fragrance
Does it set seed?
Flower Size
Flower Type
Blooming Habit
Foliage Habit
Color Patterns
Awards (if applicable)
Seed Type
Growth Habit
Days to Maturity
Awards (if applicable)
Patented
Bloom Shape
Other Details
Pruning Instructions
Kernel Color
Flower Shape
Flower Habit
Bloom Size
Color Pattern
Bloom Shape
Pruning Groups
Bloom Diameter
Heat (Pungency)
Fruit Shape
Fruit Size
Fruit Color
Disease Resistance
Seed Type
Flower Size
Size/Type
Flower Characteristics
Leaf Shape/Type
Leaf Texture
Leaf Color
Propagation
Pollination
Bearing Habit
Rootstock Vigor
Disease Resistance
Fruit Usage
Classification
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Brea, California

Carlsbad, California

Glendale, California

La Canada Flintridge, California

Oakhurst, California

San Jose, California(3 reports)

San Leandro, California

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Rosa, California

Tallahassee, Florida

Wichita, Kansas

Catonsville, Maryland

Cockeysville, Maryland

Madison, Mississippi

Sarcoxie, Missouri

Riverhead, New York

Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Raleigh, North Carolina

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Portland, Oregon

Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Norristown, Pennsylvania

Wynnewood, Pennsylvania

Lexington, South Carolina

Sumter, South Carolina

Clarksville, Tennessee

Hendersonville, Tennessee

Atlanta, Texas

Austin, Texas

Dallas, Texas

Lexington, Virginia

Graham, Washington

Olympia, Washington

Vancouver, Washington

show all

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Gardener's Notes:

5
positives
1
neutral
2
negatives
Sort By:
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N
San Jose, CA | July 2020 | negative

Everytime I see one of these they are either half or completely dead. I kept one for a couple years in a container but it just got hit by...Read More

0
| May 2019 | positive

Blackbird is the best black foliage euphorbia, better than purpurea as the flowers are black too. The downside is its not that vigourous ...Read More

C
ROSLINDALE, MA | May 2015 | negative

This is less hardy than E. amygdaloides 'Rubra'. Unlike the latter, it is not reliably hardy here. Here it is mainly useful for seasonal ...Read More

C
Clarksville, TN (Zone 7a) | June 2013 | positive

Blackbird Cushion Spurge is tolerant of most soils including clay, both dry and moist, as long as they drain fairly quickly. It doesn't ...Read More

P
Dallas, TX | April 2013 | positive

I love Euphorbias for their unique foliage and flowering characteristics.

As a landscape design professional, I am always...Read More

K
(Zone 10a) | December 2010 | neutral

Discovered by Mark Howard and Simon Leeding at Notcutts Nursery in Suffolk England. Introduced to the horticultural trade by Plant Haven ...Read More

H
Tallahassee, FL (Zone 8b) | May 2010 | positive

This plant is definitely one worth having! It is so unusual; passersby who visit almost always do a second-take. The leaves are al...Read More

R
R
Lexington, VA (Zone 6a) | November 2007 | positive

Euphorbia 'Blackbird' is outstanding! It's the first year in our gardens and even though it hasn't bloomed yet the dark foliage is wonder...Read More

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