Euphorbia characias subsp. characias 'Humpty Dumpty'![RHS Plants for pollinators](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS_Bee_YELLOW-REGISTERED.png)
![RHS Plants for pollinators](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS_Bee_YELLOW-REGISTERED.png)
spurge 'Humpty Dumpty'
'Humpty Dumpty' is a compact, evergreen perennial to 60cm, with grey-green leaves and terminal clusters of bright, yellow-green flowers with a dark red eye
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | Green Grey Silver | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | Green Grey Silver | ||
Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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 or semi-shade. 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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- 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
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.