Euphorbia characias aka Mediterranean Spurge

Taxonomy

Euphorbia characias, also known as the Mediterranean spurge or Albanian spurge, is a compact, evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. This perennial sub-shrub forms an upright clump of stems, reaching a height and width of about 1.2 meters (3 ft 11 in). Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves have white edges and a pale grey-green color. From mid-spring to early summer, it produces terminal panicles of yellow-green floral bracts. This plant adds a touch of drama to the border with its architectural structure. The bluish-green foliage remains fresh all year round, and it is accompanied by large, dome-shaped, lime-yellow flowers that tower above it in early summer. To achieve the best results, grow Euphorbia characias in well-drained soil that is kept moist, and ensure it receives full sun. After the blooms fade, it is advisable to cut down the flower stems to ground level. It is important to handle this plant with caution as its thick, white sap can cause irritation to the eyes and skin.

Common names

Mediterranean Spurge, Albanian Spurge, Large Mediterranean Spurge

How to care for Mediterranean Spurge

Difficulty

Mediterranean Spurge is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Mediterranean Spurge does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When it comes to the Mediterranean Spurge, a potting soil that is too moist can cause problems. For this reason, it's important to use a soil mix that is well-draining and does not retain too much moisture. A soil that includes perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can achieve this by simply adding a few scoops of perlite to your store-bought cactus soil.

Lighting

Mediterranean Spurge requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Mediterranean Spurge will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Mediterranean Spurge to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Mediterranean Spurge is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

Mediterranean Spurge enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.

Fertilizer

The growth of Mediterranean Spurge is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

The Mediterranean Spurge is clumping in nature, with new growth originating from the soil in close proximity to the original plant.

Region of origin

Mediterranean Spurge’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia