Euphorbia Glauca
Euphorbia glauca
(New Zealand Spurge / Waiū-atua)
Overview
Euphorbia glauca is a striking New Zealand coastal native known for its blue-grey foliage, architectural form and bold reddish flower bracts. Exceptionally hardy, salt-tolerant, and drought-resistant, it brings a dramatic, sculptural presence to modern coastal, dry, or low-maintenance gardens.
Key Features
Foliage:
Glaucous blue-green leaves with a smooth, waxy texture. Strong colour contrast that stands out in coastal or gravel plantings.
Flowers / Fruit:
Unique reddish to copper-toned flower bracts in summer, followed by seed capsules. A distinctive feature that adds vivid seasonal interest.
Form & Habit:
Clump-forming perennial with upright stems emerging from the base. Creates a bold, architectural look.
Growth Rate:
Moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value:
A key native of dunes and coastal margins; excellent for restoration projects and stabilising sandy soils. Extremely tolerant of salt spray and exposed conditions.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 60–100 cm |
| Spread | 60–100 cm |
| Form | Upright clumping perennial |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low; thrives in dry, exposed sites once established |
| Soil | Free-draining soil—sand, gravel, or light loam preferred |
| pH Range | Neutral to slightly alkaline |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy to light frost; protect young plants in severe inland frosts |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
-
Coastal gardens and sea-spray zones
-
Architectural specimens in gravel or dry gardens
-
Mass planting for colour and texture contrast
-
Excellent for dune stabilisation and native restoration sites
-
Works beautifully with toetoe, libertia, coprosmas, muehlenbeckia, and other dry-tolerant natives
Care & Maintenance
Pruning:
Cut back spent flower stems after flowering to maintain a tidy clump.
Watering:
Minimal once established; avoid overwatering or damp, heavy soils.
Feeding:
Generally unnecessary; too much fertiliser reduces its natural colour intensity.
Pests & Diseases:
Typically pest-free; root rot may occur in poorly drained soils.
Additional Tips
Wear gloves when handling—like all Euphorbias, it produces a milky sap that can irritate skin. Plant in full sun for the strongest blue foliage tones.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
Historically known as Waiū-atua (“milk of the gods”), its sap was used with caution by early Māori; the plant is now a priority species for coastal conservation in several regions.
Why Choose Euphorbia glauca?
Choose this rare and beautiful coastal native for dramatic colour, incredible toughness, and a modern sculptural look that thrives where many plants fail.
Pot Size: These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.
Pot Size:
Standard Pot = 7cm Square
Large Pot = 9cm Square
Extra Large Pot = 1.5L Round
Use this guide to see how many plants of your selected pot size fit into a half or full carton.
Standard Pot = 25 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 10 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 5 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Standard Pot = 50 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 25 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 10 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Product Size:
The photo next to the ruler shows an example of the plant for sale (cm's) to give an indication of the size. Please note that the photo is for reference only; the size and appearance of the plant may vary.
Please Note:
Shipping charge applies. Available for immediate dispatch only, while stocks last.
