Enliven Winter Gardens With Tropical Euphorbias
With their foliage and flowers, these succulents bring interest to mild-winter landscapes
Euphorbias, also called spurges, come in a variety of shapes and sizes; many look as if they came straight from the pages of a Dr. Seuss book. With origins in a wide range of regions, including Africa, South America, Europe and the Americas, these succulents have found a well-deserved place in drought-tolerant gardens, where they are used as accent plants throughout the year. Many euphorbia types flower in winter, adding a welcome splash of color.
Euphorbias range from those that resemble a columnar cactus to those that produce lovely flowers. We are going to explore seven species of this delightful genus of plants, all of which can be propagated by cuttings and add beauty to Mediterranean gardens as well as those in desert regions. Like most succulent plants, euphorbias do best in well-drained soil and make nice container plants. With a few exceptions, they are best used outdoors in USDA zones 9 and above but can be brought inside in colder regions.
Caution: All of these euphorbias have a milky sap, which is irritating to the skin and eyes and is toxic if ingested.
Euphorbias range from those that resemble a columnar cactus to those that produce lovely flowers. We are going to explore seven species of this delightful genus of plants, all of which can be propagated by cuttings and add beauty to Mediterranean gardens as well as those in desert regions. Like most succulent plants, euphorbias do best in well-drained soil and make nice container plants. With a few exceptions, they are best used outdoors in USDA zones 9 and above but can be brought inside in colder regions.
Caution: All of these euphorbias have a milky sap, which is irritating to the skin and eyes and is toxic if ingested.
The leaves of an African milk tree
2. African Milk Tree
(Euphorbia trigona)
Native to Africa
This statuesque species of euphorbia resembles a tightly clustered columnar cactus, making it a great choice for areas where some height is desired. Each stem has vertical ridges that are covered in sharp spines. Small leaves occur in between the thorns. There are several colorful varieties, including one that’s burgundy.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or 0 degrees Celsius (Zone 10); can be grown outdoors in Zone 9 with protection from freezing temperatures
Light requirement: Full sun, but can handle filtered shade for a few hours a day; in desert regions, filtered shade is best
Mature size: 3 to 9 feet tall
2. African Milk Tree
(Euphorbia trigona)
Native to Africa
This statuesque species of euphorbia resembles a tightly clustered columnar cactus, making it a great choice for areas where some height is desired. Each stem has vertical ridges that are covered in sharp spines. Small leaves occur in between the thorns. There are several colorful varieties, including one that’s burgundy.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or 0 degrees Celsius (Zone 10); can be grown outdoors in Zone 9 with protection from freezing temperatures
Light requirement: Full sun, but can handle filtered shade for a few hours a day; in desert regions, filtered shade is best
Mature size: 3 to 9 feet tall
A crown of thorns in front of an agave
3. Crown of Thorns
(Euphorbia milii)
Native to Madagascar
One of the prettiest species of euphorbia, crown of thorns stores water in its woody, succulent, thorn-covered stems. Bright green leaves appear on new growth along with colorful flowers, which are actually modified leaves, called bracts, that surround the tiny flower in the center. The stems can be leafless at times. Crown of thorns is available in red, pink and pale yellow blooming varieties.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or 0 degrees Celsius (Zone 10); can be grown outdoors in Zone 9 with protection from freezing temperatures
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade; in low-desert climates, morning sun or filtered shade is best
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
3. Crown of Thorns
(Euphorbia milii)
Native to Madagascar
One of the prettiest species of euphorbia, crown of thorns stores water in its woody, succulent, thorn-covered stems. Bright green leaves appear on new growth along with colorful flowers, which are actually modified leaves, called bracts, that surround the tiny flower in the center. The stems can be leafless at times. Crown of thorns is available in red, pink and pale yellow blooming varieties.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or 0 degrees Celsius (Zone 10); can be grown outdoors in Zone 9 with protection from freezing temperatures
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade; in low-desert climates, morning sun or filtered shade is best
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
The pale pink flowers of a candelilla
4. Candelilla
(Euphorbia antisyphilitica)
Native to New Mexico, southwestern Texas and Mexico
Clumps of thin succulent upright stems characterize this heat- and sun-loving euphorbia. Its blue-gray color and unique shape add contrast to the landscape. Miniature pale pink flowers appear for a few weeks in spring along with little temporary leaves. Named for its resemblance to little candles, candelilla is extremely drought-tolerant and is a great choice for areas that receive full sun and hot, reflected heat.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
Learn more about growing candelilla
4. Candelilla
(Euphorbia antisyphilitica)
Native to New Mexico, southwestern Texas and Mexico
Clumps of thin succulent upright stems characterize this heat- and sun-loving euphorbia. Its blue-gray color and unique shape add contrast to the landscape. Miniature pale pink flowers appear for a few weeks in spring along with little temporary leaves. Named for its resemblance to little candles, candelilla is extremely drought-tolerant and is a great choice for areas that receive full sun and hot, reflected heat.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
Learn more about growing candelilla
The small yellow flowers of resin spurge
5. Resin Spurge
(Euphorbia resinifera)
Native to the mountainous regions of Morocco
The thick, fleshy stems of resin spurge slowly multiply and spread out to create a unique succulent ground cover. Each stem has four vertical ridges that add a nice geometric element to garden design. Small thorns are found along the ridges, and tiny yellow flowers may appear in spring. Resin spurge is used to greatest effect when grouped in staggered rows for a contemporary design or planted singly next to boulders.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Light requirement: Full sun; can be planted in full sun or filtered shade in low-desert regions
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide
Learn more about growing resin spurge
5. Resin Spurge
(Euphorbia resinifera)
Native to the mountainous regions of Morocco
The thick, fleshy stems of resin spurge slowly multiply and spread out to create a unique succulent ground cover. Each stem has four vertical ridges that add a nice geometric element to garden design. Small thorns are found along the ridges, and tiny yellow flowers may appear in spring. Resin spurge is used to greatest effect when grouped in staggered rows for a contemporary design or planted singly next to boulders.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Light requirement: Full sun; can be planted in full sun or filtered shade in low-desert regions
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide
Learn more about growing resin spurge
6. Upright Myrtle Spurge
(Euphorbia rigida)
Native to the Mediterranean
This cold-hardy euphorbia decorates drought-tolerant gardens with its pointed leaves that grow in a swirled pattern around upright, fleshy blue-gray stems. Beginning in late winter and on into spring, chartreuse bracts appear at the ends of the stems, adding a lovely color element to cool-season gardens. As the blooms fade, they turn a rose-tan color. Even when this euphorbia is not in bloom, the rosette growth habit and attractive leaf arrangement add beauty to dry landscapes.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.8 degrees Celsius (Zone 7)
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
(Euphorbia rigida)
Native to the Mediterranean
This cold-hardy euphorbia decorates drought-tolerant gardens with its pointed leaves that grow in a swirled pattern around upright, fleshy blue-gray stems. Beginning in late winter and on into spring, chartreuse bracts appear at the ends of the stems, adding a lovely color element to cool-season gardens. As the blooms fade, they turn a rose-tan color. Even when this euphorbia is not in bloom, the rosette growth habit and attractive leaf arrangement add beauty to dry landscapes.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.8 degrees Celsius (Zone 7)
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
7. Pencil Milk Bush
(Euphorbia mauritanica)
Native to Africa
The narrow green stems of this African native fan out to create an attractive, finely textured plant. Small leaves appear along the stems, and a winter show of yellow flowers provides welcome relief in the landscape. Pencil milk bush is best used in straight or staggered rows or in groupings of three or more, adding both spikiness and softness to the garden.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Light requirement: Full sun to filtered shade
Mature size: 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
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(Euphorbia mauritanica)
Native to Africa
The narrow green stems of this African native fan out to create an attractive, finely textured plant. Small leaves appear along the stems, and a winter show of yellow flowers provides welcome relief in the landscape. Pencil milk bush is best used in straight or staggered rows or in groupings of three or more, adding both spikiness and softness to the garden.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Light requirement: Full sun to filtered shade
Mature size: 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
More
Plant These 12 Succulents for Instant Impact in Containers
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(Euphorbia tirucalli)
Native to Africa
Thin succulent stems fan out in all directions on this colorful euphorbia, giving it the appearance of an undersea plant. Commonly found in a medium green color, milk bush can be grown into a small tree or large shrub. It can also be maintained at a smaller size when grown in containers. A popular cultivar of this type of euphorbia is ‘Sticks on Fire’, which has a bright orange color toward the top of the stems, fading to green at the base.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or 0 degrees Celsius (USDA Zone 10; find your zone); can be grown outdoors in Zone 9 with protection from freezing temperatures
Light requirement: Full sun is best, but it can handle filtered shade for a few hours a day.
Mature size: 5 to 30 feet tall
Learn more about growing milk bush