Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii (Mediterranean Spurge)

A stunning plant for year-round interest, Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii is a statuesque evergreen shrub that enjoys months of chartreuse flowers.

A stunning plant for year-round interest, Mediterranean Spurge (Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii) is a statuesque evergreen sub-shrub that enjoys months of chartreuse flowers. Upright, it features erect stems with spirally arranged narrow blue-green leaves. They are decoratively topped with thick bottlebrush-like greenish-yellow flowers in early spring, which consist primarily of glowing lime-yellow bracts with purple nectar glands. The overall effect is very eye-catching and lasts until early summer.

  • Typically growing up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm), Mediterranean Spurge makes a perfect focal point for beds and borders and is a lovely addition to rock and gravel gardens or Mediterranean gardens.
  • Remaining attractive during all its growing season, this remarkable plant is resilient to most pests and diseases, is deer & rabbit resistant and is easy to care for.
  • A full sun lover, it thrives in dry to medium, well-drained soils. Don't put this plant in too much shade, or it will get floppy and fall over. Drought tolerant, although appreciates some moisture in dry summers. Doesn't like hot and humid summers.
  • Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
  • Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii is valued in Mediterranean or desert landscaping for not being highly demanding and for looking good despite a lack of watering in sunny areas.
  • Cut flower stems at the base after flowering. Provides a constant supply of seedlings that are easy to pull out.
  • Wear gloves when cutting as both stems and leaves contain a poisonous milky sap.

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 10

Heat Zones 7
– 10

Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Euphorbia – Spurges
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early)
Height 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spread 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spacing 36″
– 48″
(90cm
– 120cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden