Euphorbia characias aka Mediterranean Spurge

Euphorbia characias belongs to the spurge family. This evergreen perennial stays green and lives for years. Its names include Mediterranean spurge and Albanian spurge. It comes from the Mediterranean region, including southern Europe and Turkey. Its bushy, upright shape gives beds form all year. Plants may have short lives, but often seed themselves. It suits sunny banks, gravel gardens, and mixed flower beds.

In gardens, plants grow about 3–4 feet [0.9–1.2 metres] tall. RHS gives a wider range, up to 5 feet [1.5 metres]. Sources give a spread of 3–5 feet [0.9–1.5 metres]. Plants reach full size in two to five years. Stems stand straight or arch and live for two years. Young stems bear leaves along their length. Older stems shed their lower leaves. Their bases turn almost woody. Slim, blue-green leaves grow close in spirals on upper stems. RHS notes fine hairs on the leaves. These reach up to 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] long.

Flower heads form at stem tips in the second year. They form large, upright groups shaped like a cylinder. Bright yellow-green bracts, or changed leaves, ring the tiny flowers. These bracts give most of the colour. The true flowers lack petals. RHS gives early spring as the bloom time. Missouri Botanical Garden lists May–June. The species also bears brown fruit. Its leaves and flower heads suit other spring blooms. Plant partners include tulips and daffodils, plus columbines and bluebells.

Give this plant full sun and light, well-drained soil. It grows in acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. It also grows in poor ground. Keep soil moist while new plants take root. Then water when soil dries several inches below ground. Once rooted, plants resist drought. Wet soil in winter can cause trouble. RHS rates it H4. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 6–8. Cut spent flower stems to ground level. Do this in late summer or autumn. Make new plants by division or from stem cuttings.

Serious pests and diseases are rare, though aphids may occur. Low water needs suit sites that get little care. All parts are poisonous if people or pets eat them. Broken stems give off white sap. This sap irritates skin and eyes. Wear gloves and eye protection when you handle or cut plants. Keep plants out of reach of children and pets.