Botanical Name: Euphorbia polychroma ‘Bonfire’

Common Name: Spurge

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 4–8)

Size: 12–18" Tall × 12–18" Spread

Growth Habit: Low, Rounded, Clumping 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: Fiery Red to Burgundy Foliage, Chartreuse Spring Bracts, Excellent Cold Hardiness, Deer Resistant

Uses: Borders, Rock Gardens, Edging, Foliage Contrast, Low-Maintenance Landscapes

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

See our complete Euphorbia Growth & Care Guidefor full care details.

More About Euphorbia ‘Bonfire’

‘Bonfire’, is a Euphorbia that does not whisper in the garden. It shows up bold and unapologetic. The foliage is what sets ‘Bonfire’ apart. Deep red to burgundy leaves form a dense, low mound that typically stays around 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. The habit is tight and compact, almost cushion-like, which makes it incredibly useful in borders, edging, and rock gardens where structure matters.

In Mid to Late Spring, the plant lights up again with bright chartreuse bracts that float above the dark foliage. The contrast is vivid and sharp, almost electric. From a design standpoint, it is one of the cleanest red and lime combinations you can plant. As temperatures cool in Fall, the foliage often deepens even further, shifting into darker burgundy tones that extend its seasonal interest well beyond the flowering window. While many perennials quietly fade toward the end of the season, ‘Bonfire’ seems to lean in and intensify.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our Upstate SC trials, ‘Bonfire’ has proven to be exceptionally tough and dependable. We have planted it in full sun, in lean soils, even in areas that do not receive regular irrigation once established. It settles in quickly and then simply performs. One of the things I appreciate most is its durability in colder climates. While some Euphorbias prefer milder Winters, ‘Bonfire’ handles cold beautifully and returns vigorously each Spring. There is something reassuring about seeing those red shoots reemerge reliably year after year.

Deer consistently avoid it, which in our region is a major advantage. Pest issues are rare, and maintenance is minimal. After blooming, a light trim can refresh the mound and keep it looking tight, but even that is more refinement than necessity. If you want a perennial that delivers bold foliage color from Early Spring through Fall, holds its shape, and asks very little in return, ‘Bonfire’ is one of the most reliable choices we grow.

Bonfire vs. Other Euphorbia Varieties

Bonfire is the warmest and most expressive foliage Euphorbia in this group, featuring burgundy leaves flushed with red and orange tones. Compared to Blackbird Euphorbia, Bonfire is brighter and more animated, offering warmth instead of depth. Against Tasmanian Tiger, it feels less structured but more emotionally vibrant. Its coloration feels energetic and seasonal, making it especially striking in fall-leaning palettes or mixed borders with warm accents. 

While still upright and clump-forming, Bonfire reads looser and more fluid than the sharper, more architectural varieties. When paired with Ascot Rainbow Euphorbia, the two reinforce warm color themes, while Glacier Blue tempers Bonfire’s intensity with cooler tones. Unlike Diamond Frost, Bonfire contributes mass and color rather than lightness. Gardeners reach for Bonfire when they want fiery foliage that adds warmth, movement, and seasonal drama.