Euphorbia characias
Mediterranean spurge
Evergreen perennial to 1.5m, with vertical or arching biennial stems, leafy throughout at first, then bare, almost woody at the base, densely leafy above, carrying flower heads in the second year. Slender, blue-green, rather downy leaves to 15cm long. Profuse flowers, in large, terminal, cylindrical heads in early spring have petal-like bright yellow-green bracts surrounding the tiny flowers. May be short-lived, but often self-seeds
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green Yellow | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets: IRRITANT to skin/eye, harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Euphorbia can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or succulents, with milky sap and small flowers held within cupped, often colourful bracts
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mediterranean
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, light soil in full sun. See Euphorbia for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division in early spring or take basal cuttings in spring or early summer; dip cut surfaces in charcoal or lukewarm water to prevent bleeding
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back flowering shoots to ground level in late summer or autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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