This upright shrub has many purple tinged stems topped with foliage and forms a clump. It has grey green long linear leaves and the small yellow-green flowers are surrounded by green bracts and appear in a rounded cluster from spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10

Euphorbia characias is naturally found in Europe growing in Portugal on rocky hillsides and in disturbed soils.

It prefers well drained, moderately fertile moist light soil and is pH adaptable and grows in a hot open sunny position. It is mildly frost resistant and drought tolerant.

The Mediterranean Spurge is grown for its flowers and bushy habit. It is planted in rockeries, patio pots or planter boxes and is ideal for an exposed position. It establishes in one season and is suitable for coastal or inland regions. There are several cultivars are available with varying leaf colour and growth habit. This plant self-seeds readily and may become a weed. ID 958

Euphorbia(ew-FOR-bee-a) characias(ka-RĂ-kee-ahs)

Euphorbiaceae(yoo-for-bee-AY-see-ee)
Spurge Family