Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson' (Mediterranean Spurge) — Herbaceous perennial, Shrub, Succulent, Tree

Overview

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson' is a plant with a herbaceous perennial, shrub, succulent, tree habit in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3, H4, H5, H6, H7. Suggested uses include borders, containers, gravel gardens, dry shade and hot borders.

About

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson' is a perennial spurge in the Euphorbiaceae that retains evergreen foliage and sets yellow cyathia from May to September. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating chalk, clay, loam or sand and a wide pH range. The plant is rated H3–H7 (borderline to fully hardy) and suits south- or west-facing, exposed or sheltered sites. Plant it in borders, containers, gravel gardens, dry shade or hot borders.

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 subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson' sits within the Euphorbiaceae and is grown for its upright stems topped with yellow cyathia. The cultivar is treated as a perennial spurge that may appear herbaceous or more shrubby and typically keeps its foliage through much of the year. Flowering runs from May to September, when the yellow cup-like cyathia provide summer structure. Give this Euphorbia a sunny, well-drained spot — it performs on chalk, clay, loam or sand and tolerates acid to alkaline soils. A south- or west-facing position is ideal; it will cope in both exposed and sheltered locations as long as winter wet does not sit around the roots. Hardiness spans H3 to H7, translated as borderline to fully hardy in UK terms, so choose a sheltered site in the coldest, most exposed gardens. Uses include mixed borders for height and form, planting in containers for paved spaces, and gravel or hot borders where drainage is free. Expect upright stems bearing yellow cyathia between May and September, which give the plant a strong summer architectural presence.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Euphorbia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3, H4, H5, H6, H7

Plant details

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson' size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Herbaceous perennial, Shrub, Succulent, Tree
Foliage: Deciduous, Evergreen
Suggested uses: Borders, Containers, Gravel gardens, Dry shade, Hot borders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson'

Propagation: Seed, Cuttings, Division
Pest resistance: Generally pest-resistant
Disease resistance: Generally disease-resistant

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson'?

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson' need?

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson' hardy in the UK?

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson' has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson'?

Seed, Cuttings, Division.

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