How to Grow Deep Wine Spurge
Deep Wine Spurge
Euphorbia pulcherrima 'Deep Wine'
shrubDeep Wine Spurge is a striking ornamental shrub featuring deep burgundy to wine-red foliage that intensifies in color during cooler months. This evergreen plant produces small yellow-green flowers and colorful bracts that add visual interest throughout the growing season. It's a showstopper in mixed borders and containers, prized for its dramatic, long-lasting foliage color.
When should you plant Deep Wine Spurge in your zone?
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Example Deep Wine Spurge timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Deep Wine Spurge
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Deep Wine Spurge
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Deep Wine Spurge dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 9b-11, can be grown in containers in cooler zones
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Get my Deep Wine Spurge timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung plant with small green leaves beginning to show red tinges; root system developing
Water regularly to establish deep roots; protect from extreme heat and wind; apply balanced fertilizer monthly
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and dense foliage; leaves deepen to wine-red color as plant matures; growth is bushy and full
Pinch back growing tips to encourage branching; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging; feed with balanced or slightly higher potassium fertilizer
Color Development
8-12 weeksFoliage reaches peak wine-red coloration; color intensifies in fall and winter with cooler temperatures; plant becomes more ornamental
Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which promotes green growth; exposure to cooler nights enhances color; ensure full sun exposure
Flowering
Throughout growing season, peaks in late fall/winterSmall yellow-green flowers appear at branch tips surrounded by colored bracts; flowers are relatively inconspicuous but add delicate interest
Maintain regular watering; deadheading is optional as flowers are small; support plant structure with light pruning if needed
Maintenance
OngoingMature plant maintains ornamental foliage color year-round; established root system requires less intensive care
Prune in spring to maintain shape and size; reduce watering in winter; fertilize quarterly; watch for pest issues in warmer months
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity; strong water spray to dislodge; ensure good air circulation
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Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; quarantine severely infested plants
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Scrape off manually; apply horticultural oil in spring; use systemic insecticide if severe
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
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Improve drainage; reduce watering; repot in fresh soil if caught early; remove severely affected plants
Uses
Ornamental Foliage & Cut Arrangements
HouseholdThe striking wine-red foliage makes exceptional cut stems for seasonal arrangements, particularly stunning in autumn and winter displays. The long-lasting color and architectural form work beautifully in both modern and traditional floral designs. [source]
Container & Patio Gardening
HouseholdExcellent specimen plant for containers, raised beds, and patio displays where its dramatic coloring can be showcased. The compact to medium size makes it ideal for mixed container combinations and landscape focal points. [source]
Garden Structure & Aesthetic Interest
WildlifeProvides year-round visual interest and structure to mixed borders, rock gardens, and Mediterranean-style landscapes. The evergreen nature and consistent coloring make it valuable for winter garden design. [source]
Floral Design & Crafts
CraftThe wine-red foliage is prized by florists and crafters for unique color in dried arrangements, wreaths, and seasonal decorations. Stems can be dried for long-lasting craft projects. [source]
Harvest Tips
Deep Wine Spurge is an ornamental plant harvested for foliage and decorative purposes rather than for edible or medicinal harvest. Prune stems for cut arrangements in fall and winter when color is most intense. Wear gloves when handling as spurge sap can irritate skin. Cut stems last 1-2 weeks in a vase with water.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Deep Wine Spurge is a cultivar of Euphorbia pulcherrima, the same genus as the commercial poinsettia, but with ornamental foliage rather than showy bracts as its primary feature.
- 🌱 The wine-red color intensifies in cooler temperatures and full sun, making it a valuable plant for extending color interest into fall and winter when many plants fade.
- 🌱 Spurge plants produce a milky sap that can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals; always wear gloves when pruning or handling the stems and leaves.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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