Euphorbia 'Donkey Tail'

Euphorbia 'Donkey Tail': Cascading Grace in a Chartreuse Glow
Delicately trailing and brightly coloured, Euphorbia 'Donkey Tail' offers a soft, flowing habit that spills elegantly over walls, containers, or the edge of sunny borders. Its narrow, bluish-green leaves spiral along arching stems like the braided tail of its namesake, and in spring, it bursts into vibrant bloom with citrus-yellow bracts that hover like glowing lanterns above the foliage. Graceful yet tough, it brings texture, colour, and resilience to even the driest garden corners.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 20–30 cm
• Spread: 60–90 cm, spreading or cascading outward in a trailing form
• Flower Colour: Bright yellow to chartreuse bracts in spring
• Flowering Period: Mid to late spring
• Foliage: Slender, bluish-green leaves on arching stems; fine texture and semi-evergreen habit
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil; highly drought-tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Euphorbia 'Donkey Tail' is perfect for tumbling over rock walls, softening the edges of raised beds, or filling containers with its graceful, flowing form. Its early-season blooms support pollinators, while the fine-textured foliage provides subtle structure throughout the growing season. Heat- and drought-tolerant, deer- and rabbit-resistant, and exceptionally low-maintenance, it’s an ideal choice for xeriscaping and sun-loving combinations that need a touch of softness and movement.

Companion Plants: Pair Euphorbia 'Donkey Tail' with Sedum 'Voodoo', whose deep red foliage contrasts beautifully with the euphorbia’s chartreuse tones and also thrives in dry, sunny conditions. Add Thymus 'Elfin', a low-growing thyme whose tiny leaves and lavender blooms weave between the stems of Donkey Tail, offering fragrance and pollinator value. Complete the planting with Sempervivum 'Sunset', whose rosettes in red and green echo the euphorbia’s drought tolerance while adding sculptural interest at the base.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water occasionally during the first growing season to establish roots; after that, water sparingly. Cut back spent flower stems after blooming to tidy the plant and encourage fresh foliage. Use gloves when handling, as the milky sap may irritate skin. Avoid poorly drained sites, especially in winter, to prevent root rot.

History: A cultivated form likely derived from Euphorbia myrsinites or Euphorbia rigida, 'Donkey Tail' has been selected for its graceful, trailing habit and luminous bracts. Euphorbias have long been prized for their adaptability to harsh environments, and this variety brings the same toughness with a softer silhouette—combining ornamental form with ecological utility.

Final Thoughts: With its flowing shape, luminous spring colour, and no-fuss nature, Euphorbia 'Donkey Tail' adds a touch of elegance to rock gardens, containers, and sunbaked slopes. As it spills gently over edges or mingles with other drought-tolerant companions, it offers both softness and strength—a trailing treasure that thrives where others retreat.