Botanical Name: Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Blackbird’

Common Name: Spurge

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 6–9)

Size: 18–24" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Clumping, Shrubby Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor or Rocky Soils

Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Early to Mid-Spring

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Deep Purple-Black Foliage, Chartreuse Spring Bracts, Evergreen to Semi-Evergreen, Deer Resistant

Uses: Borders, Woodland Gardens, Shade Gardens, Foliage Contrast, Low-Maintenance Landscapes

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

See our complete Euphorbia Growth & Care Guide for full care details.

More About Euphorbia ‘Blackbird’

‘Blackbird’, is the type of Euphorbia that completely shifts the mood of a garden the moment you plant it. I still remember the first time I tucked it into a mixed border here in the Upstate. Everything around it was fresh green, soft, bright, cheerful. Then ‘Blackbird’ leafed out in that deep, smoky burgundy, almost black, and suddenly the whole bed looked intentional. The foliage is the real star here. Thick, leathery leaves stack neatly along upright stems, forming a tight, architectural clump that holds about 18 to 24 inches tall and wide. It never looks floppy or chaotic. It reads clean. Structured. Confident. 

In Early Spring, the stems are topped with vivid chartreuse bracts that glow like little lanterns against that dark foliage. The contrast is electric, almost neon, and it catches your eye from across the garden. Unlike many euphorbias that fade into the background once flowering is finished, ‘Blackbird’ keeps working all season. Through Spring, Summer, and into Fall, that dark foliage provides depth that lighter perennials simply cannot..

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Blackbird’ has been one of the toughest dark foliage perennials we grow. It handles heat in Summer without sulking. It tolerates short dry stretches once established. And importantly, it does not scorch and wash out the way some darker leaf plants can when exposed to strong Southern sun.

I planted a row of them along the edge of a partially shaded bed where we struggled for years to find something with presence. Hostas were too soft. Ferns disappeared visually. The moment ‘Blackbird’ matured, it anchored the entire space. Even in filtered light, the foliage stayed saturated and rich. After the Spring bracts fade, I will sometimes give the plant a light trim to refresh the growth, but even that is more about aesthetics than necessity.

Blackbird vs. Other Euphorbia Varieties

Blackbird delivers the darkest foliage in this Euphorbia lineup, creating dramatic contrast and visual weight in the landscape. Compared to Bonfire Euphorbia, Blackbird is cooler and more controlled, trading warmth for depth. When placed beside Ascot Rainbow or Glacier Blue, Blackbird sharpens their lighter tones and adds contrast. Even without flowers, Blackbird commands attention and provides a powerful backdrop for lighter or brighter companions.

Against Tasmanian Tiger, it feels heavier and more grounded, lacking variegation but gaining intensity. Its deep purple-black leaves and stems give it a strong architectural presence that works especially well in modern and contemporary designs. Paired with Diamond Frost, it creates one of the strongest light-dark combinations in the garden. Gardeners choose Blackbird when they want dramatic contrast and bold, moody foliage that anchors a planting.