Overview
Euphorbia characias 'Humpty Dumpty' 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 'Humpty Dumpty' 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.
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
- 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 'Humpty Dumpty' 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 'Humpty Dumpty'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and remove old flower heads
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Euphorbia characias 'Humpty Dumpty'?
Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia characias 'Humpty Dumpty'?
Euphorbia characias 'Humpty Dumpty' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Euphorbia characias 'Humpty Dumpty' need?
Euphorbia characias 'Humpty Dumpty' 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 'Humpty Dumpty'?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and remove old flower heads.
Is Euphorbia characias 'Humpty Dumpty' hardy in the UK?
Euphorbia characias 'Humpty Dumpty' 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 'Humpty Dumpty'?
Seed, Division, Cuttings.
Is Euphorbia characias 'Humpty Dumpty' toxic?
Toxic sap.
More in the Euphorbia genus
- Euphorbia altissimatall spurge
- Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Brithembottom'Wood Spurge
- Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'Golden Balls'Mediterranean spurge
- Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson'Mediterranean Spurge
- Euphorbia eritrea
- Euphorbia hybernaIrish spurge
- Euphorbia nicicianaSpurge
- Euphorbia pilosahairy spurge
