Mediterranean spurge Euphorbia characias
ABOUT
E. characias is an evergreen perennial to 1.5m, with vertical or arching stems arising from a single crown. Stems are biennial, leafy throughout at first, then bare, almost woody at the base, densely leafy above, carrying the flower heads in the second year. Leaves are lanceolate, blue-green, rather downy to 15cm long. Flowers are numerous, borne in large, terminal, cylindrical heads in early spring. Petal-like bracts surrounding the tiny flowers are bright yellow-green. May be a short-lived perennial, but often self-seeds
About this plant
NamesFamily
Euphorbiaceae
Synonyms
Mediterranean Spurge, Albanian Spurge, Characias Spurge, Wulfenii Spurge
Common names
Tithymalus characias, Esula characias
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow-green
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias) has distinctive foliage and bright green flowers with yellow centers, adding aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: As a Mediterranean native, it is well-adapted to dry conditions, requiring minimal supplemental watering once established.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires little pruning and care, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Pest Resistance: Mediterranean spurge is generally resistant to most pests, reducing the need for chemical controls.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant’s flowers can attract beneficial insects like butterflies and bees, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Soil Adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of soil types, including poor and rocky soils, making it versatile in different garden settings.
- Erosion Control: Its extensive root system helps stabilize the soil, making it a good candidate for planting in areas prone to erosion.
- Dramatic Foliage: The plant's foliage provides year-round interest with its bluish-green leaves, which often have a unique, architectural form.
- Border and Structure Plant: It serves well as a border plant or for creating structural interest in garden designs and can be effective in mass plantings.
Medical Properties- Euphorbia characias is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Euphorbia characias can be used as a natural dye, its sap producing a range of colors for fabric and wool depending on the mordant used.
- The plant is ideal for creating a drought-resistant garden, as it can thrive in dry conditions with minimal watering.
- With its striking architectural form, it serves well as a focal point in landscape design, adding visual interest to a garden year-round.
- The milky sap has been traditionally used as a fish poison in some cultures, although this use is not environmentally friendly and is illegal in many areas.
- Euphorbia characias can be used in cut flower arrangements for its unique texture and long-lasting stems.
- The plant's distinct foliage provides interesting contrast in mixed succulent plantings, complementing various shapes and colors.
- Due to its invasive nature in certain environments, the plant can be utilized in controlled land management practices for erosion control.
- Because of its unpalatability to deer, it is often planted in areas where browsing by wildlife is a common issue for gardeners.
- The sculptural qualities of Euphorbia characias make it suitable for minimalist and contemporary garden art installations.
- Its ability to adapt to poor soil makes it a valuable planting for reclamation sites, where it can aid in establishing vegetation and improving soil conditions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mediterranean Spurge is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mediterranean Spurge is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Mediterranean Spurge, as it is commonly known, thrives in harsh, dry conditions, symbolizing the ability to withstand difficult situations and recover from adversity.
- Protection: Euphorbia characias contains a milky sap that can cause irritation, symbolizing defense and the warding off of negative forces or energies.
- Persistence: This plant has a long blooming period and can live for many years, representing steadfastness and determination.
- Caution: The toxic nature of its sap is a reminder to approach situations with care and be mindful of potential risks.
WaterThe Mediterranean Spurge requires moderate watering. During the growing season, water the plant deeply once every one to two weeks, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. If you're using a potted plant as a reference, use approximately half a gallon of water for a medium-sized pot. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant, maybe to just a few ounces every few weeks to keep the soil from becoming bone dry. Over-watering can risk root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
LightMediterranean Spurge thrives best in full sun to partial shade. An ideal spot would receive around six hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes healthy growth and flowering. Even though it tolerates partial shade, too much shade can make the plant lanky and reduce its blooms.
TemperatureMediterranean Spurge prefers temperatures between 50°F and 80°F for optimal growth. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 30°F but should be protected from frost. Summer heat above 90°F may stress the plant, so provide some afternoon shade if the climate gets very hot.
PruningPrune Mediterranean Spurge after its flowering season to maintain its shape and size. Cutting back the spent flower stalks promotes new growth and can prevent the plant from becoming too woody. The best time for pruning is late summer or early fall. Pruning every couple of years is usually adequate.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Mediterranean Spurge thrives in well-draining soil with a mixture of sand, peat, and a small amount of compost to retain some moisture. It prefers a slightly alkaline pH ranging from 7.0 to 8.5.
RepottingMediterranean Spurge requires repotting every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current pot, usually in the spring.
Humidity & MistingMediterranean Spurge prefers dry air and does not require high humidity levels, making it well-suited for typical indoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Mediterranean Spurge in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleMediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias) starts its life as a seed, which, when conditions are favorable—typically in the spring—germinates and sprouts into a seedling. The seedling grows into a juvenile plant, which develops a robust root system and vegetative structures such as stems and leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing distinctive inflorescences known as cyathia that contain both male and female structures; pollination occurs through wind or insects. After successful pollination, the flowers develop into fruit, which are capsules that eventually burst open, dispersing seeds. The plant may die after seeding if it is an annual, but as a perennial, Mediterranean spurge can survive for several years, entering dormancy during unfavorable seasons and resuming growth when conditions improve. Over its lifetime, this spurge may also spread vegetatively through its rhizomatous root system, creating clonal offshoots nearby.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Euphorbia characias, commonly known as Mediterranean spurge, can be propagated by seed after the danger of frost has passed in the spring or by taking cuttings in summer. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by cuttings. To propagate by cuttings, one must choose healthy, non-flowering stems and cut them into pieces about 3 to 5 inches (approximately 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) long. It's essential to allow the cut surface to dry and callous over for a few hours to reduce the risk of rot. Cuttings should then be inserted into a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until roots develop. After a few weeks, when the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or their final location in the garden.
