Euphorbia pekinensis Seeds | Peking Spurge
LATIN NAME: Euphorbia pekinensis
COMMON NAME: Peking Spurge
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Peking Spurge, Euphorbia pekinensis is a perennial in the spurge family, native to warm fields of the eastern Asia, while it is treasured for its long history of traditional use. In spurge family it is a bold, leafy spurge of warm fields, a plant whose old record of use comes with a strong, milky sap that asks for careful glove. Given room and time, it reaches roughly One metre. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Euphorbia pekinensis ranges from the botany of the spurge family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. The Peking spurge roots and parts are a familiar subject in traditional plant chemistry of the eastern Asia, and constituents have been examined with greatest care by researchers across the world. Continuing work by breeders and collectors keeps good seed of this species moving through the trade.
Uses & Benefits
Peking Spurge works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. In wild garden, the Peking spurge is a bold, leafy plant of sunny border. Its small, yellowish-green flowers feed small insects, and upright, leafy growth gives border a strong, architectural presence. Long record of traditional use keeps plant in old practice, and milky sap is best handled with gloves. A plant that has settled in will get along with only routine care.
Spurges are superb drought ornamentals with a serious caution: their milky latex is irritant and toxic, the reason ingenol from the genus inspired an approved prescription gel for sun-damaged skin. Handle with gloves and never ingest.
Growing from Seed
Raising Peking Spurge from seed is straightforward. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in bright light until the seedlings are well up. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Given the right start, Peking Spurge is a long-term garden companion. After establishment, care settles into an easy routine.
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