Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris)
Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) is a plant in the annuals and biennials category that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris).
This plant has several common names including: caper spurge, caper bush, caper plant, euphorbia-oil plant, mole plant, mole tree, myrtle spurge, spring wort or wild caper.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 1-2 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: caper spurge, caper bush, caper plant, euphorbia-oil plant, mole plant, mole tree, myrtle spurge, spring wort, wild caper
Scientific name: Euphorbia lathyris
Plant type: Annual / Biennial
Habit: Columnar / Upright
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: Informal Garden, Mediterranean Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Ground Cover, Low Maintenance
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) – Syrio, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Annuals and biennials are ideal for formal or informal flower beds, but also for growing in pots and containers of all kinds. They are important plants for their rapid growth, instant color and relatively low cost.
They are also useful plants for filling spaces between newly planted trees and shrubs, as well as in perennial beds that may need to be revived after the first spring bloom.
They are an important ingredient in country house gardens and wildflower meadows.
Other types of Euphorbia to consider:
See all Euphorbia
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Euphorbia lathyris likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.
Sunlight
Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) – Syrio, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
