Euphorbia ceratocarpa (Horned spurge) — Bushy

Overview

Euphorbia ceratocarpa is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Euphorbia ceratocarpa grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, flower borders and beds and wildlife gardens.

About

Euphorbia ceratocarpa is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae, native to the Island of Sicily and southern Italy. Growing to 1.7 m (5.6 ft) tall and wide, it is an evergreen perennial or subshrub bearing long, narrow leaves with a prominent white midrib, and clusters of green and yellow flowers in summer. It is valued in cultivation for its vivid flowers, and its ability to survive drought conditions. Though hardy down to −10 °C (14 °F) it is seen at its best in a warm, sheltered position. Mature plants reach roughly 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euphorbia ceratocarpa

About the genus

Euphorbia is a large and diverse genus of flowering plants, commonly called spurge, in the family Euphorbiaceae.

Wikipedia contributors, "Euphorbia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euphorbia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Euphorbia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Euphorbia ceratocarpa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial, Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 1.5-2.5 metres
Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Flower borders and beds, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Euphorbia ceratocarpa

Propagation: Seed, Division, Offsets, Basal cuttings
Pest resistance: Aphids, Mealybugs
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia ceratocarpa?

Euphorbia ceratocarpa prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Euphorbia ceratocarpa need?

Euphorbia ceratocarpa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.