What are the ideal growing conditions for Euphorbia umbellata 'Rubra'?

Euphorbia umbellata 'Rubra', also known as the Red African Milk Bush or Candelabra Spurge, thrives in full sun with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for the best red coloration. It prefers well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil and is drought-tolerant once established. This succulent is best suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 and should be protected from frost in colder climates.

Is Euphorbia umbellata 'Rubra' safe for pets and children?

The milky sap of Euphorbia umbellata 'Rubra' can be irritating to skin and eyes and may be toxic if ingested. It is important to wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling or pruning the plant. Keep it out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental contact or ingestion.

Can Euphorbia umbellata 'Rubra' be grown in containers or indoors?

Yes, Euphorbia umbellata 'Rubra' is well-suited for container growing, making it ideal for patios, balconies, or indoor spaces with plenty of sunlight. In colder regions, you can bring the plant indoors during winter to protect it from frost. Ensure containers have good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot.

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Euphorbia umbellata 'Rubra': Striking Red African Milk Tree

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🔴 Euphorbia umbellata 'Rubra': A Striking Tropical Accent for Your Garden

The Euphorbia umbellata 'Rubra', commonly known as the Red African Milk Tree, is an extremely striking and architectural succulent shrub prized for its vibrant, unusual coloring.¹ This upright, branching plant is a visually arresting specimen in any dry-climate garden or as an indoor feature. The main characteristic is the bold, fleshy, segmented stems that display a deep, rich burgundy-red to maroon-purple color, especially when grown in bright, full sun.

Unlike many spiky succulents, the stems of 'Rubra' are generally smooth, providing a clean, dramatic look. The small, ovate leaves that grow at the stem tips are also often tinged with red, creating a beautiful contrast with the occasional tiny, inconspicuous yellow flowers. A favorite among collectors and designers, the Red African Milk Tree is exceptionally low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it perfect for modern, minimalist landscapes and rock gardens.²

Caution: All parts of this plant contain a milky sap (latex) that is toxic and a skin and eye irritant. Handle with gloves.

Botanical Characteristics

Characteristic	Detail
Scientific Name	Euphorbia umbellata 'Rubra' (Cultivar)
Common Names	Red African Milk Tree, Ethiopian Milk Tree, Red Stem Euphorbia
Growth Habit	An upright, multi-branched succulent shrub forming an open, architectural canopy.
Foliage	Small, ovate, deciduous leaves appear at the stem tips, often tinted red; the stems are the main feature.
Stems	Thick, fleshy, ribbed, and segmented stems of a vivid burgundy-red or maroon color.
Flowers	Tiny, inconspicuous yellow-green or creamy flowers produced at the end of the branches.
Sap Warning	Contains caustic, milky latex; wear gloves when handling.

Mature Size

Euphorbia umbellata 'Rubra' is a fast-growing succulent shrub that can achieve a substantial size, especially in tropical climates.

Height: Typically reaches 5–8 feet (1.5–2.4 meters) tall, but can be maintained smaller in containers.
Spread: Achieves a spread of 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 meters) wide.
Its vertical habit makes it ideal for screens or dramatic focal points.

USDA Hardiness Zone

This plant is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 10–11.³ It is sensitive to frost and must be protected from freezing temperatures. It can be successfully grown as a container plant indoors or moved to a protected location in cooler climates.

Cultivation and Care

Aspect	Care Instructions
Sunlight	Requires full sun to maintain the deepest, most vibrant red stem color. Lower light leads to green stems.
Soil	Essential: Needs extremely well-drained, gritty, or sandy soil. Overly rich or wet soil is fatal.
Water	Drought-tolerant. Water sparingly and deeply during warm periods. Allow soil to dry completely. Keep nearly dry in winter.
Fertilizer	Minimal feeding required. A light application of a low-nitrogen, balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied once or twice during the peak summer growing season.
Pruning	Easily pruned to control size or encourage branching. Use gloves and eye protection due to the caustic sap. Cuttings can be taken to propagate.

Landscape Use

Architectural Accent: Used as a bold, vertical focal point due to its striking color and form.⁴
Containers: Excellent for modern patio pots and as an indoor/outdoor houseplant in cold climates.
Xeriscape: A staple in water-wise and desert-themed gardens for structural contrast.
Specimen Plant: Planted against pale walls to highlight its deep, burgundy-red hue.

Wildlife Attraction

The foliage and stems of Euphorbia umbellata 'Rubra' contain the irritating milky sap, making the plant naturally deer and rabbit resistant. It is not typically grown for its ability to attract pollinators.

Pest and Disease Resistance

This plant is generally robust. The most significant threat is root rot caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure a dry winter rest. Occasionally susceptible to mealybugs, which should be treated with rubbing alcohol or systemic pesticides.⁵

Propagation

Euphorbia umbellata 'Rubra' is easily propagated using stem cuttings.⁶ Cuttings should be taken with gloved hands, rinsed to stop the flow of sap, and allowed to callous (dry) for several days before being planted in a dry, gritty, well-draining medium. This ensures the new plant retains the desirable red color of the cultivar.

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Euphorbia umbellata 'Rubra': Striking Red African Milk Tree

Euphorbia umbellata 'Rubra': Striking Red African Milk Tree

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