Overview

Euphorbia characias 'Black Pearl' is a herbaceous, shrubby, sub-shrubby, succulent evergreen shrub in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Euphorbia characias 'Black Pearl' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, gravel gardens and coastal plantings. It is native to Mediterranean region.

About

Euphorbia characias, the Mediterranean spurge is a species of flowering plant in the family Euphorbiaceae typical of the Mediterranean vegetation. It is an upright, compact evergreen shrub growing to 1.2 m tall and wide.

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About the genus

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

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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
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Euphorbia characias 'Black Pearl' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Evergreen shrub
Habit
Herbaceous, Shrubby, Sub-shrubby, Succulent
Foliage
Deciduous, Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
Suggested uses
Borders, Gravel gardens, Coastal plantings
Native to
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Toxic sap

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Euphorbia characias 'Black Pearl'

Pruning
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape
Propagation
Seed, Division, Cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia characias 'Black Pearl'?

Euphorbia characias 'Black Pearl' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Euphorbia characias 'Black Pearl' need?

Euphorbia characias 'Black Pearl' 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.

How do I prune Euphorbia characias 'Black Pearl'?

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape.

Is Euphorbia characias 'Black Pearl' hardy in the UK?

Euphorbia characias 'Black Pearl' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Euphorbia characias 'Black Pearl'?

Seed, Division, Cuttings.

Is Euphorbia characias 'Black Pearl' toxic?

Toxic sap.

More in the Euphorbia genus

Browse all Euphorbia