Euphorbia characias
TAXONOMY
FamilyEuphorbiaceae
GenusEuphorbia
Zone8
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Euphorbia characias, commonly known as Mediterranean Spurge, is a subshrub native to the Mediterranean region. It is known for its striking, lime-green flowers and blue-green foliage. This plant is well-suited to temperate climates and can tolerate dry conditions. It has a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Mediterranean Spurge
Esula characias
Euphorbia characias subsp. veneta
Euphorbia characias var. eriocarpa
Euphorbia characias var. veneta
Euphorbia rubens
Tithymalus characias
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
WANT MORE TIPS?
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Euphorbia characias thrives in bright, direct sunlight and prefers moderate temperatures. It can tolerate dry conditions but should be watered when the soil is completely dry. This plant does well in moderate humidity and should be protected from frost.Soil
Euphorbia characias prefers well-draining loam soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but thrives best in soil that is not too rich in nutrients. Ensure the soil dries out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Fertilize Euphorbia characias with a balanced fertilizer, such as 5-10-10, during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer sparingly, as this plant does not require heavy feeding.Repotting
Repot Euphorbia characias every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container. Choose a pot with good drainage and use a well-draining soil mix. Handle the plant carefully, as its sap can be irritating to the skin.Propagation
Propagate Euphorbia characias through cuttings or seeds. Take cuttings in the spring or early summer and allow the cut end to dry before planting in well-draining soil. Seeds can be sown in the spring.Pruning
Prune Euphorbia characias after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Remove any dead or damaged stems and cut back the flowering stems to the base.Toxicity
Euphorbia characias is toxic to both pets and humans. The sap can cause skin irritation and, if ingested, can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Handle the plant with care and keep it out of reach of children and pets.Additional
Euphorbia characias is a low-maintenance plant that is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. It is an excellent choice for xeriscaping and can add a unique architectural element to gardens.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
