Care of the shrub Euphorbia piscatoria or Fish-stunning Spurge |
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The genus Euphorbia, family Euphorbiaceae, includes some 7,000 species of cactiform, herbaceous, and shrub plants distributed throughout all continents. Some shrub species are: Euphorbia piscatoria, Euphorbia lambii, Euphorbia regis-jubae, Euphorbia umbellata, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Euphorbia cotinifolia, Euphorbia milii, Euphorbia characias, Euphorbia dendroides, Euphorbia rigida, Euphorbia leucocephala, Euphorbia anachoreta, Euphorbia tithymaloides. Common name: Fish-stunning Spurge. This species is native to the Madeira archipelago. They are shrubs with succulent gray stems and a rounded habit that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. The bluish-green, linear-lanceolate leaves appear in rosettes at the end of the branches; they can lose leaves in summer if it is very hot. The flowers, with yellowish bracts, appear in umbelliform inflorescences. They bloom from mid-winter to mid-summer. They are used in rockeries, on dry and sunny slopes, in cactus and succulent gardens, as isolated specimens, in bushy groups and in pots for patios and terraces. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. The Euphorbia piscatoria needs full sun exposure; young plants prefer semi-shade exposure. Withstands light and occasional frosts down to -2 ºC (28.4 ºF). They grow in any soil that has excellent drainage, be it stony, poor or sandy. Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to be completely dry; They resist drought very well. They do not need fertilizer. Prune dry branches in early spring. It is advisable to protect your hands with gloves since the latex they produce is very irritating. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to the accumulation of water in the roots. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring and by cuttings. |
Images of the shrub Euphorbia piscatoria or Fish-stunning Spurge |
 Euphorbia piscatoria  Euphorbia piscatoria  Euphorbia piscatoria |