Care of the shrub Euphorbia characias or Mediterranean spurge |
The genus Euphorbia, family Euphorbiaceae, includes 2,000 species of succulents, trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants of cosmopolitan distribution. Some species are: Euphorbia characias, Euphorbia lambii, Euphorbia piscatoria, Euphorbia regis-jubae, Euphorbia umbellata, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Euphorbia cotinifolia, Euphorbia milii, Euphorbia dendroides, Euphorbia rigida, Euphorbia leucocephala, Euphorbia anachoreta, Euphorbia tithymaloides. Common names: Mediterranean spurge, Albanian spurge. This species is native to the Mediterranean region. They are Mediterranean plants with soft, purple stems that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The leaves are linear, spiral around the stem and are bluish-green in color. The insignificant flowers appear in very attractive yellow bracts. They bloom from late spring to early summer. Mediterranean spurge is used to form clumps in gardens that require little irrigation and to cover dry, sunny slopes. Keep in mind that the latex they produce is irritating. Euphorbia characias prefers full sun exposure but can grow in semi-shade. It resists light and occasional frosts. The soil must be very well drained and light. Water moderately waiting for the substrate to dry; it is important not to flood. Albanian spurge is a resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases. Euphorbia characias propagates by division or by seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the shrub Euphorbia characias or Mediterranean spurge |