Euphorbia characias ssp. characias Tweet

Genus: Euphorbia

Common Name: Spurge

Latin Name: Euphorbia characias ssp. characias

Variety:

Family Name: Euphorbiaceae

Plant Description:

Euphorbia characias is a very variable species in the wild, growing throughout the Mediterranean from Portugal to Turkey and makes a marvellous plant for the garden and border. They are all sun loving plants, producing almost cylindrical yellow flower heads with conspicuous dark eyes late in the spring. Later in the summer the seed capsules explode on sunny days as they ripen and expel seed - adding an unusual attribute to a border. This is a good architectural plant which can be grown in a hot, dry bed or mixed flower borders and will even do well in exposed coastal gardens. It is more likely to be successful on well-drained soils as most Euphorbia's dislike being both cold and wet and they can become leggy if planted too much in the shade. Another excellent attribute of this plant is its apparent evergreen-ness; in any year it always has leafy shoots showing above the soil level. Some of these will be flowering shoots and others not. These shoots never last for more than two growing seasons, and flowers only appear on the shoots that are two years old. These die back after flowering to be replaced by new stems, which, in turn, will flower in the next growing season. This is a superb plant for the border and will certainly add an immediate impact at all times of the year if used.

Latin Name Explanation:

Euphorbia - From Euphorbus, a physician during the reign of the Mauretanian King Juba II in the first century BC. Euphorbus may have used the sap from native species of the plant in his medicines. characias - From xaraxias, the ancient name Dioscorides used for this species.

Preferred Aspect: Full Sun

Height: 1.2m

Spread: 1.2m

Form: Herbaceous

Hardiness: Fully Frost Hardy - withstand temperature down to -15C

Grown Height: 1.2m

Grown Spread: 1.2m

Leaf Type: Herbaceous

Likes Soil Type:

Chalky
Chalky Loam
Loam
Sandy
Sandy Loam
Silty

Does not thrive in Soil Type:

Hardiness: Fully Frost Hardy - withstand temperature down to -15C

Preferred Aspect: Full Sun

Primary Flower Colour: Lime Green / Yellowish Green

Primary Foliage Colour: Grey Green

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Period of Interest

Planting Period

Pruning Period

Element of Interest:

Adds height and interest to the garden
Colour
Flowers & Leaves
Flowers for Cutting
Shape - Adds Character to Your Garden
Shape & Colour


Likes PH: Slightly Acid - Neutral - Slightly Alkaline

Does not thrive in PH:

Moisture Level: Well drained soil

Growth Rate: Moderate

After Care Required: Trim to Keep Shape and Size in Check


Work Involved: Easy to Grow

Fragrance: Not Scented

Suitable for Small Garden:

Does it need staking?:

Plant for RHS Identification Course:

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Specific Planting:

In an established border, simply plant in a clear area, allowing room for the plant to grow. Dig a hole a little larger than the pot or root ball and place the plant into the hole, so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Fill in the remaining gaps, firming the soil as you go. To finish, water in well, and keep watering regularly until the plant has established. For planting in soil that has poor fertility, dig the area intended for planting over to the depth of a garden fork, removing any weeds as you go. Work in some garden compost or organic matter, and follow the instructions above for planting. To help the plant retain moisture, add a mulch to the surface around the plant. If planting in containers then make sure you use a loam-based compost such as John Innes no.3 compost mix.

Specific Care:

The most important stage in plant care is in establishing a good root system for the plant early on its life. By following the correct planting advice the plant will make a good start, but must be checked regularly for the first couple of years. If there are prolonged dry spells then water well, but be careful not to make the plant too dependent on your care. Also check for damage from rabbits, deer or other such animals that you may be prone to. Once the plant has established, apply an annual mulch, taking care not to bury the stem of the plant as it needs to breathe. Follow the correct pruning procedures and it will give years of enjoyment.

Specific Feeding:

Covering the border with mulch in the winter months will provide enough food for this plant. This will improve the soil structure and bolster its nutrient levels, which will feed the plants in the coming growing season. If the soil is especially poor, then adding a fertiliser such as Growmore or a liquid Seaweed feed, early in the season will help maintain good plant health. On poor soils adding a fast release granular feed will provide a quick fix early in the season, and although good on it's own, is better used alongside an application of organic matter. Another option is to apply blood, fish and bone early in the season, as this is a good all round balanced feed.

Propagation

From Seed
Semi-ripe & Ripewood Cuttings

There are more plants of the same Genus. If you would like to see them all please press 'Show All' button.

Euphorbia amygdaloides var robbiae Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Bob's Choice' Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Craigieburn' Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Purpurea' Euphorbia caput-medusae Euphorbia characias Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii Euphorbia characias subp wulfenii 'John Tomlinson' Euphorbia characias subsp wulfenii 'Emmer Green' Euphorbia characias subsp. characias 'Blue Hills'

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