About
Euphorbia milii var. splendens, Christ's thorn, is a slow-growing, semi-succulent, semi-evergreen shrub with stems armed with well-spaced thorns. The small, yellow flowers with their ornamental, bright-red bracts appear mainly in spring and summer. A popular and long-lived succulent for a heated conservatory, greenhouse or sunny windowsill.
About the genus
Euphorbia, the spurges, are an extraordinarily diverse genus of annuals, perennials, shrubs and succulents producing milky sap and small flowers held within cupped, often brightly coloured bracts. They range from tiny alpine cushions and giant tree-like succulents to familiar garden perennials and houseplants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toMadeira, Canary Islands
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHumans/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
CultivationGrow in well-drained, light soil in full sun in mild areas or in cold areas grow in a container and overwinter indoors (frost-free). See Euphorbia for further advice
PruningNo pruning required generally, but it can be cut back in spring if it becomes leggy
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring or take basal cuttings in spring or early summer; dip cut surfaces in charcoal or lukewarm water to prevent bleeding
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free