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Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii (Mediterranean Spurge)

Spurge, Mediterranean Spurge

Euphorbia Characias, Spurge, Mediterranean Spurge, Euphorbia Characias subsp. Wulfenii

A stunning plant for year-round interest, Mediterranean Spurge (Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii) is a statuesque evergreen sub-shrub that enjoys months of chartreuse flowers. Upright, it features erect stems with spirally arranged narrow blue-green leaves. They are decoratively topped with thick bottlebrush-like greenish-yellow flowers in early spring, which consist primarily of glowing lime-yellow bracts with purple nectar glands. The overall effect is very eye-catching and lasts until early summer.

  • Typically growing up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm), Mediterranean Spurge makes a perfect focal point for beds and borders and is a lovely addition to rock and gravel gardens or Mediterranean gardens.
  • Remaining attractive during all its growing season, this remarkable plant is resilient to most pests and diseases, is deer & rabbit resistant, and is easy to care for.
  • A full sun lover, it thrives in dry to medium, well-drained soils. Don’t put this plant in too much shade, or it will get floppy and fall over. Drought tolerant, although it appreciates some moisture in dry summers. Doesn’t like hot and humid summers.
  • Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
  • Mediterranean spurge is valued in Mediterranean or desert landscaping for not being highly demanding and for looking good despite a lack of watering in sunny areas.
  • Cut flower stems at the base after flowering. Provides a constant supply of seedlings that are easy to pull out.
  • Wear gloves when cutting, as both stems and leaves contain a poisonous milky sap.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 10
Heat Zones 7 - 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Euphorbiaceae
Genus Euphorbia
Common names Spurge
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 36" - 48"
(90cm - 120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Coastal Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Euphorbia obesa (Baseball Plant)
Euphorbia resinifera (Resin Spurge)
Euphorbia mammillaris (Corncob Cactus)
Euphorbia xanti (Baja Spurge)
Euphorbia ceratocarpa (Sicily Spurge)
Euphorbia corollata (Flowering Spurge)

Recommended Companion Plants

Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian)
Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ (Wallflower)
Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ (Catmint)
Geranium ‘Rozanne’ (Cranesbill)
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Indian Summer’ (Black-Eyed Susan)
Allium hollandicum ‘Purple Sensation’ (Ornamental Onion)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

An Eye-Catching Summer Border with Alliums, Achillea, Eryngium and Spurge
A Pretty Rock Garden Idea with Colorful Alpine Plants
Native Plant Alternatives to Euphorbia cyparissias (Cypress Spurge)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 10
Heat Zones 7 - 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Euphorbiaceae
Genus Euphorbia
Common names Spurge
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 36" - 48"
(90cm - 120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Coastal Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Euphorbia (Spurge)
Guides with
Euphorbia (Spurge)
Not sure which Euphorbia (Spurge) to pick?
Compare Now

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