Overview of Euphorbia Diamond Frost®
There are numerous species in the genus Euphorbia ranging from prostrate annual weeds to the familiar holiday poinsettia (a tender perennial shrub or small tree in its native habitat) to large, spiny shrubs. These members of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) are characterized by their milky white latex sap and often succulent foliage. In 2005, Proven Winners® introduced a new ornamental Euphorbia with airy foliage and a profusion of tiny white flowers reminiscent of baby’s breath.
Usually listed as E. hypericifolia (but sometimes listed as E. graminea or a hybrid with one of those species, or as Chamaesyce hypericifolia after a recent reclassification), the cultivar ‘Inneuphdia’ is commonly sold under the trade name of Diamond Frost®.
This tender perennial (hardy in zones 10a to 12b, and root hardy in colder areas with protection) is grown as an annual in most places. Plants grow 12 to 20 inches tall with a mounding growth habit. The upright stems have widely spaced, narrow, gray-green to bright green leaves.
A profusion of tiny pure white “flowers” are produced at the top of the canopy from spring to frost. The part we call flowers are actually bracts. Flowering is reduced in cooler weather but because Diamond Frost® is infertile, it does not produce seed and therefore never stops flowering. The flowers can be used as filler in floral arrangements. To do so, seal the cut ends in boiling water or in a flame for a few seconds to prevent excess sap loss.
Landscape Use of Diamond Frost®
Diamond Frost® is a great low maintenance addition to containers, landscape beds, border edges, in cottage gardens, accent plantings, massed plantings, and walkway edging. Its small white flowers pair well with other flowering plants of almost any type or color. The finely textured foliage offers good contrast to plants with larger leaves and the billowing habit – the small but abundant flowers give an effect similar to that of baby’s breath – makes it a good filler in mixed plantings.
With a shallow, non-competitive root system they can be planted between perennials or around roses without adversely affecting those plants. In containers or hanging baskets it will spill over the edges, filling gaps between taller or trailing plants. It can also be grown as a houseplant if given enough light.
Grow this bedding plant in full sun to part shade in any type of well-drained soil. It is a tough plant that will still look good despite a little abuse or neglect. It is heat and drought tolerant so does not require much watering (except those in containers), and is actually sensitive to overwatering. Deadheading is not necessary – faded flowers naturally fall off the plant, keeping it looking tidy – but plants can be pruned at any time to encourage branching for a fuller appearance or to shape or keep their size in check. The sap can irritate sensitive skin so wear gloves when working with the plants. Because of the white, milky sap it is not favored by deer and rabbits.
As tender perennials, they can be kept over the winter by bringing plants inside before the first frost and maintaining them in a sunny spot. If kept in good condition, they could be used as an accent plant for poinsettias during the holidays.
Cut plants back in spring and move them outdoors after the threat of frost has passed.
Propagating Diamond Frost®
Diamond Frost® can be propagated from stem cuttings and does not come true from seed. The patent for this variety (US PP 17,567) has expired.
Most people purchase small plants in the spring. Wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting outside.
A few varieties can be propagated from seed.
Other Cultivars
Breeders have developed other varieties after the introduction of Diamond Frost®. Many are difficult to distinguish from each other unless they are grown side by side.
- Breathless® series has compact habits (growing 10 to 15 inches tall and 24 to 28 inches wide) and dark green leaves with reddish highlights. Breathless® Blush (variety ‘Balbreblus’, US PP 21,440) has white bracts with a pink tint. Breathless® White (variety ‘Balbrewite’, US PP 21,439) has pure white flowers.
- Diamond Delight® (variety ‘INEUPDIDIAZ, US PP 26,848) is a compact variety with a mounded habit and white, double flowers.
- ‘Glamour’ is a seed propagated variety that is early blooming and grows 15 to 24 inches tall and wide. This is listed as E. graminea.
- ‘Glitz’ is a seed propagated variety that grows 10 to 14 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide. This is listed as E. graminea.
- ‘Hip Hop’ (sometimes listed as ‘Hip Hop White’) grows 18 to 24 inches tall and wide, with white flowers.
- ‘Silver Fog’ (sometimes listed as ‘Silverfog’) grows 12 to 16 inches tall and 10 to 18 inches wide, with a rounded habit and masses of white flowers.
- ‘White Manaus’ is vigorous, reaching 2 feet tall and has pure white flowers.
– Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Last Update: Allen R. Pyle, UW-Madison Extension, 2026
