Euphorbia characias (Mediterranean spurge) — Clump-forming, upright or spreading sub-shrub

Overview

Euphorbia characias is a clump-forming, upright or spreading sub-shrub perennial in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous; narrow, often blue-grey or glaucous, sometimes red-tinted in autumn foliage. It typically grows around 1.2 metres tall. Euphorbia characias grows best in full sun to partial shade; the woodland species tolerate dry shade, and tolerates light to moderately fertile loam and sand or chalk soils and acid and neutral or alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4-H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens, drought-tolerant gardens and wildlife gardens. It is native to Mediterranean.

About

Euphorbia characias is a clump-forming, upright or spreading sub-shrub reaching about 1.2 metres. It bears narrow, often blue‑grey (glaucous) leaves that may take on red tints in autumn and can be evergreen, semi‑evergreen or deciduous. Flowering runs from May to September, producing the characteristic cup-like euphorbia blooms. It is native to the Mediterranean.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euphorbia characias

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

In the garden

Euphorbia characias is a perennial from the Mediterranean, forming multi-stemmed clumps to roughly 1.2 metres. Its narrow, often blue‑grey leaves may be evergreen, semi‑evergreen or drop in colder seasons, while the flowering period extends from May to September, providing prolonged structural colour through summer. Grow it in full sun to partial shade; woodland forms will tolerate dry shade. It prefers light to moderately fertile loam, sand or chalk and accepts acid to alkaline soils, but good drainage is essential because most plants dislike winter wet. The plant suits exposed or sheltered sites and any aspect, and sits comfortably in borders, rock gardens, drought‑tolerant schemes and wildlife plantings. Use it where a tall, architectural perennial is wanted behind lower plants or beside gravel paths; its height and habit give strong vertical lines without tree cover. Hardiness is H4–H7, which in plain terms means it ranges from average to fully hardy across most UK gardens. Handle stems with care: the sap can irritate skin and eyes and is harmful if eaten, so wear gloves and eye protection when pruning or dividing. For concerns about pets, refer to the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for contact details and further advice.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Euphorbia

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade; the woodland species tolerate dry shade
Soil type: Light to moderately fertile loam, sand or chalk
Soil pH: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained; most dislike winter wet
Aspect: Any
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H4-H7

Plant details

Euphorbia characias size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright or spreading sub-shrub
Foliage: Evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous; narrow, often blue-grey or glaucous, sometimes red-tinted in autumn
Height: 1.2 metres
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, drought-tolerant gardens, wildlife gardens
Native to: Mediterranean
Toxicity: Humans/Pets: IRRITANT to skin/eye, harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Euphorbia characias

Cultivation: Easy and largely self-sufficient given drainage. The milky sap is a genuine irritant to skin and eyes, so wear gloves and eye protection when cutting back and never handle the plant in strong sun. Most flower on stems produced the previous year, which makes correct timing of the cut essential. The spreading species can be invasive in loose soil, so site them accordingly.
Pruning: On the shrubby evergreen kinds, cut flowered stems right to the base once the bracts fade in summer, leaving this season's new shoots to flower next year. Cut herbaceous species down in late autumn.
Propagation: Divide herbaceous kinds in spring. Take basal cuttings of shrubby species in spring and rinse the cut end to stop the latex sealing it. Many self-seed freely.
Pest resistance: Rarely troubled by pests; aphids occasionally gather on soft new growth.
Disease resistance: Generally healthy. Euphorbia rust causes orange spotting and distorted shoots on some species and affected growth should be removed.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Euphorbia characias?

Easy and largely self-sufficient given drainage. The milky sap is a genuine irritant to skin and eyes, so wear gloves and eye protection when cutting back and never handle the plant in strong sun. Most flower on stems produced the previous year, which makes correct timing of the cut essential. The spreading species can be invasive in loose soil, so site them accordingly.

Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia characias?

Euphorbia characias prefers full sun to partial shade; the woodland species tolerate dry shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Euphorbia characias need?

Euphorbia characias grows best in light to moderately fertile loam and sand or chalk soil. It prefers acid and neutral or alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained; most dislike winter wet.

How do I prune Euphorbia characias?

On the shrubby evergreen kinds, cut flowered stems right to the base once the bracts fade in summer, leaving this season's new shoots to flower next year. Cut herbaceous species down in late autumn.

How big does Euphorbia characias grow?

Euphorbia characias reaches a height of 1.2 metres.

Is Euphorbia characias hardy in the UK?

Euphorbia characias has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Euphorbia characias?

Divide herbaceous kinds in spring. Take basal cuttings of shrubby species in spring and rinse the cut end to stop the latex sealing it. Many self-seed freely.

Is Euphorbia characias toxic?

Humans/Pets: IRRITANT to skin/eye, harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.

More in the Euphorbia genus

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