Mediterranean Spurge
Euphorbia characias
Also listed as Esula characias, Tithymalus characias
Also known as Large Mediterranean Spurge, Albanian Spurge
Climate Match for your location
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A striking Mediterranean shrub with blue-green foliage and showy chartreuse-yellow flower bracts that bloom in late winter to spring. Highly drought-tolerant once established and excellent for adding year-round structure to dry gardens.
Why grow it
Mediterranean spurge offers extended seasonal interest through its persistent blue-green foliage and winter-spring flowering when many temperate garden plants are dormant. Compared to other drought-tolerant shrubs in its size range, it provides both structural form and distinctive chartreuse inflorescences. It requires minimal supplemental watering once established and performs well in poor, well-draining soils where many ornamentals struggle.
Watch out for
This species self-seeds readily in suitable conditions and may spread beyond intended planting areas in favorable climates. The plant's evergreen structure can appear leggy or open if not pruned after flowering, so timing of any cutting back affects its appearance the following season. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil; performance declines noticeably in heavy clay or consistently moist conditions.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A striking Mediterranean shrub with blue-green foliage and showy chartreuse-yellow flower bracts that bloom in late winter to spring. Highly drought-tolerant once established and excellent for adding year-round structure to dry gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Mediterranean Spurge grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Mediterranean spurge offers extended seasonal interest through its persistent blue-green foliage and winter-spring flowering when many temperate garden plants are dormant. Compared to other drought-tolerant shrubs in its size range, it provides both structural form and distinctive chartreuse inflorescences. It requires minimal supplemental watering once established and performs well in poor, well-draining soils where many ornamentals struggle.
Watch out for
This species self-seeds readily in suitable conditions and may spread beyond intended planting areas in favorable climates. The plant's evergreen structure can appear leggy or open if not pruned after flowering, so timing of any cutting back affects its appearance the following season. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil; performance declines noticeably in heavy clay or consistently moist conditions.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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