Euphorbia characias 'Emmer Green'
spurge 'Emmer Green'
A compact, evergreen, perennial or sub-shrub to 60cm with grey-green foliage edged with cream, developing pink tinges in cold weather. Green and cream flowers with yellow centres are produced in late spring and early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Cream Green Yellow | Cream Green Grey Silver Variegated | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Cream Green Yellow | Cream Green Grey Silver Variegated | ||
Autumn | Cream Green Grey Silver Variegated | |||
Winter | Cream Green Grey Silver Variegated Pink |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–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
Accepted
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
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back flowered shoots to ground level in late summer or autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to root and stem rots in wet conditions
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.