Euphorbia characiasis valued as an decorative plant because of its exceptional ability to thrive in drought conditions and its efficient ground - cover capabilities . Although it may have a comparatively short lifetime of 5 to 7 years , it faithfully ego - seeds , insure its continued mien in the garden .

Euphorbia characiasL.

Albanian Spurge , Mediterranean Spurge

Euphorbia characias (Mediterranean Spurge)

In habitat, Nisos Naxos, Drymalia, Cyclades, Greece. Derivative of a photo byNicolas Lagière. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

Esula characias , Euphorbia characiassubsp.characias , Tithymalus characias

kin : EuphorbiaceaeSubfamily : EuphorbioideaeTribe : EuphorbieaeSubtribe : EuphorbiinaeGenus : Euphorbia

The specific name " characias(kar - RAY - see - as ) " is a Latinized word from " xaraxias , " the ancient name thatPedanius Dioscorides(40 - 90 advertizement ) gave to this species in the first century advert .

Euphorbia characias (Mediterranean Spurge)

In habitat, The Gulf of Marseille, France. Derivative of a photo byHenry Miller. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

Euphorbia characiasis aboriginal to theMediterranean Region . It grows all the mode along the northern side of the Mediterranean Sea from Portugal to Turkey .

Euphorbia characiasis aperennialshrub with unbranching , green stem and narrow , puritanic - green leaf order spirally along the stem . The stalk are upright or arching , almost woody at the base , and can reach up to 5 feet ( 1.5 m ) in height . The lance - shape leaves are densely covered in short whisker and can acquire up to 6 inches ( 15 curium ) long .

During the spring , each stem is topped by a large , dull , spherical to oblong cluster of sour purple to black floral nectarglandswithin the yellow , loving cup - likecyathia . The yield are politic , thickly hairy capsules . Each capsule split open at maturity to release three cum .

Euphorbia characias (Mediterranean Spurge)

In habitat, Nisos Naxos, Drymalia, Cyclades, Greece. Derivative of a photo byNicolas Lagière. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

Christ Within : provide yourEuphorbia characiaswith plenty of sunlight is important for optimal growth . put it near a sunny window or move it to your balcony or garden during the warmer month , bit by bit increase sun exposure to avoid suntan .

Soil : Use a well - drain soil , either a commercial potting premix formulated for succulents orcreate your ownwell - draining soil .

Temperature : While high summertime temperatures are not a job , scummy winter temperatures can damage or kill your plant . Euphorbia characiasgrows best inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones7a to 10b , with mean minimal winter temperature ranging from 0 to 40 ° F ( -17.8 to 4.4 ° hundred ) .

Euphorbia characias (Mediterranean Spurge)

In habitat, Zamartze, Navarra, Spain. Photo byluisgorrizhuarte. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

Watering : From fountain to fall , irrigate the works when the filth ’s top in ( 2.5 cm ) feels dry . Reduce lachrymation in winter and give it just enough water to prevent wilting . In the lovesome season , evening is the skillful time of the day for watering .

Fertilizing : To ensure the potted plant life incur sufficient nutrients , apply a balanced fertilizer in a 10 - 10 - 10 NPK formulation , cut to 1/4 force weekly during the growing season .

Repotting : Although yourEuphorbia characiasdoes not involve to be repotted often , it will gain from repotting when it outgrows its pot . The repotting is best done in early outpouring at the beginning of the growing time of year . wear thin gloves , protective article of clothing , and appropriate oculus protective cover when do by this plant .

Propagation : The easiest and quickest way to propagate this works is by stem cuttings . Although it can be part from seed , it can be unmanageable for them to shoot . Take cuttings during the growing time of year , while spring is the adept time for sowing the seed .

Learn more atHow to uprise and Care for Euphorbia .

Euphorbia characiasproduces a poisonous white whitish sap that may cause burn or botheration if in contact with the skin or eyes . Therefore , keep this plant life away from children and PET is best .

press a exposure to see a orotund adaptation .

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