Overview

Euphorbia characias 'Blue Wonder' is a bushy evergreen shrub in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Euphorbia characias 'Blue Wonder' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and mediterranean gardens. 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.

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

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Euphorbia

Sunlight
full sun, partial shade
Soil type
well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
dry to medium
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Euphorbia characias 'Blue Wonder' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
evergreen shrub
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Suggested uses
borders, rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens
Native to
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Toxic, sap can cause skin irritation

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Euphorbia characias 'Blue Wonder'

Cultivation
Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
Pruning
Cut back old flower stems after flowering to maintain shape.
Propagation
Seed, cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Euphorbia characias 'Blue Wonder'?

Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia characias 'Blue Wonder'?

Euphorbia characias 'Blue Wonder' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Euphorbia characias 'Blue Wonder' need?

Euphorbia characias 'Blue Wonder' grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.

How do I prune Euphorbia characias 'Blue Wonder'?

Cut back old flower stems after flowering to maintain shape.

Is Euphorbia characias 'Blue Wonder' hardy in the UK?

Euphorbia characias 'Blue Wonder' 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 'Blue Wonder'?

Seed, cuttings.

Is Euphorbia characias 'Blue Wonder' toxic?

Toxic, sap can cause skin irritation.

From the Fenn Plants journal

More in the Euphorbia genus

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