Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias)
Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias) is a perennial plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias).
This plant has several common names including: Mediterranean spurge or Albanian spurge.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: Mediterranean spurge, Albanian spurge
Scientific name: Euphorbia characias
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Coastal, Informal Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Low Maintenance
Other characteristics: Drought resistant, Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias) – Prosthetic Head, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.
They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.
Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.
But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.
Other types of Euphorbia to consider:
See all Euphorbia
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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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 characias likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias) – Syrio, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
