Euphorbia characias subsp. Wulfenii – Mediterranean Spurge
Masses of extravagant, long-lasting, lime green flowers atop lush foliage.
Habit:
This is a statuesque evergreen sub-shrub which makes an eye-catching focal point, growing to about 1.2M tall. The morphological differences between subspecies are maintained in the wild as, though they can inter-breed, this is prevented by geographic separation. In some ways a “subspecies” is a naturally occuring “variety” with its own distinct geographic extent. The flower of the only other subspecies, E. characias subsp. characias, has a dark red eye.
Origins:
E. characias subsp. Wulfenii is endemic to a swath of Southern Europe from Southern France to Turkey. Confusingly its western range does overlap with subsp, Characias. Its origins make it ideal for the modern trend to rock and gravel gardens.
Soil / Aspect:
This plant appreciates full sun and dry, well-drained soils, though it does appreciate some water in the heat of summer. Avoid planting in the shade where it will go rather floppy.
Maintenance:
After flowering, cut the flowering stem at the base, using gloves to avoid contact with the poisonous milky sap. Otherwise this is a very low maintenance plant being devoid of pests or diseases and deer/rabbit resistant. This plant does produce seedlings around a parent, which can be easily weeded out; or moved if you feel the need to propagate.