Mediterranean Spurge (Euphorbia characias) is an herbaceous perennial native to Southern France and as far east as Turkey. This plant will provide you with months of chartreuse flowers shaped like a bottle brush. The early spring blooms pair nicely with the evergreen lower leaves arranged around a strong woody stem. The common name of spurge is derived from an Old French word, esurge, which means “to purge.” The waxy, white sap which oozes from fresh cuttings, was once used as a purgative, causing vomiting or sudden, painful eliminating of stool.
Mediterranean Spurge attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Flowers emerge in March and last until June in ideal weather. Foliage remains year-round. This plant attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Flowers emerge in March and last until June in ideal weather. Foliage remains year-round.
Growth Habits
The plant reaches heights of 2–4 feet and widths of 1–4 feet. Space plantings to accommodate future growth and allow for adequate air circulation between plantings. Other cultivators can be smaller or larger.
Soil Preferences
Select a location with full sun to partial shade. If the plant receives too much shade, it will be floppy and fall over. Soil should be amended to provide dry to medium, moist soils. Ensure site has adequate drainage. The plant is intolerant to clay soils and hot, humid summers. If planting in areas with clay, amend with grit like garden or play sand to promote drainage. The USDA Plant hardiness zones for this plant are 6–8, and the plants may need protected sites in cooler climates such as zone 6.
Mediterranean Spurge (Euphorbia characias)
This plant attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Flowers emerge in March and last until June in ideal weather. Foliage remains year-round. This plant attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Flowers emerge in March and last until June in ideal weather. Foliage remains year-round.
Growth Habits
The plant reaches heights of 2–4 feet and widths of 1–4 feet. Space plantings to accommodate future growth and allow for adequate air circulation between plantings. Other cultivators can be smaller or larger.
Soil Preferences
Select a location with full sun to partial shade. If the plant receives too much shade, it will be floppy and fall over. Soil should be amended to provide dry to medium, moist soils. Ensure site has adequate drainage. The plant is intolerant to clay soils and hot, humid summers. If planting in areas with clay, amend with grit like garden or play sand to promote drainage. The USDA Plant hardiness zones for this plant are 6–8, and the plants may need protected sites in cooler climates such as zone 6.
Watering
Once established the plant is drought tolerant.
Fertilizing
Plant with good quality, peat-free compost. Feed each spring to promote healthy new growth each year.
Pruning
After blooming, cut the flower stems off at the base to allow room for more stems to emerge. Wear gloves and eye protection when cutting. Avoid contact with skin.
Planting Depth & Spacing
This plant is ideal for raised beds or containers. To allow growth in zone 8, provide adequate spacing to allow for air circulation during hot humid summers. Do not crowd the plant.
Diseases or Pests
Spurge is not readily consumed by deer or rabbits and does not succumb to pollution.
The plant is susceptible to root rot. To prevent excess moisture, be sure site is well draining. Do not allow container plants to sit in water.
Avoid contact with the sap. Wear gloves and eye protection when cutting this plant. All parts of this plant are toxic to pets and children so choose a site for planting with their safety in mind. This plant should not be planted near farmland or livestock.
Propagation
This plant is propagated via seeds or cuttings. The plant may readily self-seed. You will find small plants around the parent plant. The seedlings are easily pulled or transplanted.
Alternatively, you can collect seeds for distribution in another location or for sharing. Sow euphorbia seed in clean pots using a sterile seed starting mix, lightly cover. Kept at 65–70°F., germination averages 14 to 21 days. Transplant seedlings into the garden 36 inches apart after all danger of frost. Ensure seedlings have at least three sets of leaves before planting. Acclimate the seedlings to the to the prospective site over the course of 5 to 7 days.
Mediterranean spurge can provide a striking focal point for your landscape. They pair well as a backdrop for shorter spring bulbs like tulips, grape hyacinth, and daffodils. They can be used in containers to provide height and background for smaller annuals. They make lovely unique cut flowers (be sure to allow the stem to stop oozing milky sap before placing them in vase. No matter how you choose to utilize this plant in your landscape, be sure to keep safety in consideration.
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