Euphorbia canariensis (Canary Island Spurge)
One of the most striking and picturesque plants, Euphorbia canariensis (Canary Island Spurge) is a small succulent shrub adorned with up to 150 vertical branches as thick as a man’s arm. Branching from the base, the deep green to reddish stems are usually 4 sided (sometimes 5 or 6) with regular pairs of dark shining spines along the four corners of the stems.
One of the most striking and picturesque plants, Euphorbia canariensis (Canary Island Spurge) is a small succulent shrub adorned with up to 150 vertical branches as thick as a man's arm. Branching from the base, the deep green to reddish stems are usually 4 sided (sometimes 5 or 6) with regular pairs of dark shining spines along the four corners of the stems. Small reddish-green flowers emerge from near the spine axils in mid to late spring. A moderately fast grower, Canary Island Spurge will quickly become a large landscape beauty in 3-5 years. Give it plenty of room to grow.
- Typically grows up to 4-8 ft. tall (120-240 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm) in cultivation. May reach 10-12 ft in height and width (300-360 cm) in its natural habitat.
- This remarkable plant is resilient to most pests and diseases, is deer or rabbit resistant and is easy to care for.
- Performs best in full sun or light shade in well-drained soils. Irrigate occasionally to infrequently.
- Perfect addition to beds and borders, Mediterranean Gardens.
- Native to the Canary Islands.
- All parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested. The milky sap may cause irritation to skin and eyes. Be very careful when handling this plant as the stems break easily and the milky sap can burn the skin. Use gloves and protective googles.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9 – 11 |
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Plant Type | Cactus – Succulents |
Plant Family | Euphorbia – Spurges |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
Height | 4' – 8' (120cm – 240cm) |
Spread | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 72″ (180cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Salt |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden |