Euphorbia characias

Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Euphorbia characias yew-FOR-bee-ah kar-AY-see-ahs Genus: Euphorbia
This upright, evergreen shrub has stunning texture and form. Its gray-green leaves and woolly, purple-tinged stems form billowy, 4-foot long branches. From early spring to early summer, it produces giant cylindrical bract clusters in yellow-green with purple-black nectar glands, and creates a specimen that looks otherworldly.
Noteworthy characteristics: Milky sap may cause irritation to skin and severe discomfort if ingested.
Care: The taproot is tolerant of a range of soils, but resents transplanting once established. 
Propagation: Sow seed when ripe or in spring at 59° to 68°F.
Problems: Nematodes, spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, fungal and bacterial diseases.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Deer Tolerant
Characteristics Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Early Spring; Early Summer; Late Spring; Spring; Summer
Foliage Color Evergreen
Flower Color Yellow Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Hedge, Screening, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point, Suitable as Annual
Style Rock Garden
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Perennials

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