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Mediterranean spurge

Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii

Description

The Mediterranean spurge is a show-stopper during the late winter to early spring when the winter rains provide moisture for robust growth and flowering. The combination of blue-green foliage and chartreuse flower bracts achieve the appearance of giant puff-balls in the garden. No other plant achieves this unique color and character combination.

The Mediterranean spurge can be grown throughout the Inland Empire and is often planted in parkways, on banks and in mixed plantings. The herbaceous stems die after flowering and need to be removed; new stems already start their growth in early spring to replace the old stems. Care needs to be taken to avoid contact with the milky sap that is highly caustic to the skin and also poisonous. One subspecies, E. c. ‘Wulfenii’, grows 3-4 ft. tall and as wide in a round mound and produces the largest clusters of flower bracts.

Plant Type: Perennial
Foliage Character: Evergreen
Habit: Mounding, Upright
Growth Rate: Fast
Foliage Color: Blue green
Flower Color: Green
Flower Season: Spring
Soil Adaptations: Well-draining soil, Rocky soil, Clay
Exposure Adaptations: All day sun, Heat, Frost, Drought
Function: Rock gardens, Residential spaces, Raised planters, Near pools and water features, Grouped, Foliage accent plant, Flowering accent plant, Borders
Height: 3 ft. – 4 ft.
Width: 3 ft. – 4 ft.

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