Botanical Name: Euphorbia × martinii ‘Tasmanian Tiger’

Common Name: Spurge

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 5–9

Size: 24–30" Tall × 24–30" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Clump-Forming, Bushy 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: Spring

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Variegated Foliage, Chartreuse Spring Bracts, Deer & Rabbit Resistant, Evergreen-Like Texture

Uses: Borders, Mixed Beds, Accent Plantings, Containers, Modern Landscapes

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

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

More About Euphorbia ‘Tasmanian Tiger’

Euphorbia ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ is one of those plants that instantly gives a planting backbone. The first thing you notice is the bold blue-green foliage with creamy white edges. The variegation is crisp, clean and it holds that contrast beautifully through the season. In early to mid-Spring, bright bracts rise just above the foliage, creating a glowing halo effect that stops you in your tracks. The contrast between the lime bracts and the cool, variegated leaves is sharp but refined. It forms a strong, upright clump that typically reaches about 24 to 30 inches tall and wide, and it holds that shape without flopping open in the middle. There’s a density to it — a fullness — that makes it feel substantial in a border. 

Even once the Spring bracts begin to fade, the foliage continues to carry the show. Through Summer and into Fall, that evergreen-like texture gives the garden consistency and polish. In mild Winters, it can even hold its presence longer than many perennials around it. This is not a plant that demands rich soil or constant feeding. In fact, it performs better when you don’t overdo it. Well-drained soil is key, and once established, it tolerates drought and lean conditions extremely well. It’s comfortable in full sun, but it also handles partial shade without losing its strong variegation. That flexibility makes it easy to place in both traditional cottage gardens and more modern, structured landscapes where foliage contrast does the heavy lifting.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our Upstate South Carolina trials, ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ has been one of the most consistent foliage performers in the entire euphorbia lineup. The variegation stayed bright and defined even during peak Summer heat, and we didn’t see the scorching or bleaching that sometimes happens with variegated plants. The clumps stayed tight and symmetrical, never splaying apart after heavy rain or humidity. That kind of structural reliability is something I pay attention to.

We also noticed very little pest pressure. Deer walk right past it, and insect issues have been minimal in our production and display beds. Once the plant is established, maintenance is straightforward. I recommend ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ for gardeners who want bold texture and strong form without depending on nonstop blooms for interest. It pairs beautifully with dark foliage like Heuchera, contrasts nicely against ornamental grasses, and sharpens up looser flowering perennials. When you need something that gives the garden structure and a contemporary edge, this one delivers season after season with very little effort.

Tasmanian Tiger vs. Other Euphorbia Varieties

Tasmanian Tiger is the most visually commanding and architectural Euphorbia in this group, defined by its bold cream-edged variegated foliage and upright, clump-forming habit. Compared to Ascot Rainbow, Tasmanian Tiger is cleaner and more restrained, favoring crisp definition over color shifts. Unlike Diamond Frost, which softens plantings, Tasmanian Tiger anchors them with structure. Gardeners choose Tasmanian Tiger when they want bold foliage and strong form with very little upkeep.

The high-contrast leaves bring instant structure to the landscape and read as intentional even in minimal plantings. Against Blackbird and Bonfire, it feels brighter and more modern, offering contrast without the heaviness of dark foliage. In Spring, the bracts rise above the foliage, adding a controlled pop of color without distracting from the foliage itself. When placed beside Glacier Blue, it clearly becomes the focal point, while Glacier Blue plays a supporting, blending role. Throughout the season, Tasmanian Tiger maintains a tight, symmetrical form that makes it feel polished rather than wild.