Euphorbia Species, Large Mediterranean Spurge
Euphorbiacharacias

Family: Euphorbiaceae (yoo-for-bee-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Euphorbia (yoo-FOR-bee-uh)
Species: characias (kar-RAY-see-as)

Synonym:Euphorbia cretica

Synonym:Euphorbia cuatrecasasii

Synonym:Euphorbia eriocarpa

Synonym:Euphorbia rubens

Synonym:Tithymalus characias

Category
Alpines and Rock Gardens

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage
Grown for foliage
Evergreen
This plant is resistant to deer

Foliage Color
Blue-Green

Height
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)

Spacing
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction

Bloom Color
Pale Yellow
Green
Pale Green

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Spring

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall

Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed