Euphorbia Characias Subsp. Wulfenii (Mediterranean Spurge): How To Grow & Care

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii is a dramatic architectural perennial. Large, dome-shaped, lime-yellow blooms rise above bluish-green foliage in early June. Although it is ideal for a sunny border or gravel garden, it pairs well with orange- and yellow-flowered kniphofias. Best results are achieved in wet, well-drained soil in full sun. Cut faded Euphorbia Characias Subsp. Wulfenii flower stems to the ground. The thick, milky sap may irritate the eyes and skin. This Spurge, native to Portugal, France, and Greece, thrives in full light. It’s hardy to -10 °C (14 °F) but needs well-drained soil and not too much water in winter. It thrives on poor, less rich soil. It spreads through underground stems and may become invasive if unmanaged.

The plant often referred to as Mediterranean spurge, Euphorbia characias wulfenii, originates in Turkey, the Balkans, and Southern Europe. This herbaceous plant that lives for many years and is perennial is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae. In recognition of Euphorbus, the royal physician of Mauritanian royalty, the plant genus Euphorbia was named after him. Euphorbia characias has a subspecies that is known as Wulfenii. The fundamental difference between shrubs and the principal species is their height. Euphorbia has the potential to reach heights of up to four feet. The Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii plant may grow up to three feet tall and spread around two feet.

Euphorbia Characias Leaves

From the beginning of spring until the beginning of autumn, the leaves are Mediterranean spurge flower bracts that are greenish-yellow in color and sit atop long stalks in a bottlebrush shape. All kinds of pollinators are drawn to the blooms due to their beauty. It is essential to use extreme caution while working with the colors, even though they may appear stunning when arranged with cut or dried flowers. The sticky white fluid that runs down the stems is very poisonous.

How To Propagate Euphorbia Characias Subsp. Wulfenii ?

These hardy plants need care and lots of light to thrive but can also survive in some shade. Suitable for growing Mediterranean spurge are USDA hardiness zones 6 through 8. These weed plants can live without water for long periods and thrive only by occasional complete soaking during the hot summer. The presence of moisture is not very well tolerated. An excessive amount of water can be deadly, even though it is considered maintenance. The plants could not return after a long winter with plenty of rain; the plants could not return. No fertilizer application is required—Euphorbia characias subsp. Wulfenii can grow in impoverished soils, but the soil must be well-drained for the plant to thrive. 

There is zero tolerance for clay soil—Euphorbia characias subsp. Wulfenii has finished blooming; trim the stems to the base so new branches can develop from the plant. In addition, careful deadheading is recommended for plant care to prevent unwanted self-seeding. A mediterranean spurge is an excellent option for a privacy screen, xeriscaping, or a specimen plant in areas where it does not self-seed.

Mediterranean milk has no control over its tendency to self-seed. So, either collect the seeds and plant them fresh in the spring or let the plant produce its seeds.

References:

https://plantcaretoday.com/euphorbia-characias.html

https://www.gardenia.net/plant/euphorbia-characias-mediterranean-spurge