Euphorbia - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Native to South Africa, Euphorbia cooperi, also referred to as the Transvaal Candelabra Tree, is a small tree typically reaching 10 to 20 feet at maturity. It is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11 and thrives in full sun and moderate water.

This hardy tree is known for its unusual, spiny trunk full of round holes. It features succulent, 4- to 6-winged branches that look like a chunky string of beads, with spines forming a spiky margin along each ridge. Clusters of yellowish-green flowers grow between the spines towards the tips of branches.

Growing Euphorbia cooperi is relatively easy as long as you can provide it with proper conditions. It prefers sunny locations and does best when planted in well-draining soil. In order to maintain the tree's shape, pruning is recommended. To allow for a wider canopy, pinch the little growing points at the end of the branches. Since it is a succulent, the tree does not require a lot of water and should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch.

For locations in colder climates, Euphorbia cooperi can be grown in a pot. It requires well-draining soil and should be repotted every spring to allow for natural growth. It should also be brought indoors, or at least to a sheltered place when temperatures drop. K eep in mind that the spines become brittle when the tree is exposed to frost, so take care when handling it.

It is also worth noting that Euphorbia cooperi is poisonous or toxic, so it is important to handle it with care, particularly when pruning. If you get the sap in your eyes, for instance, it can cause irritation.

Overall, Euphorbia cooperi is an interesting and unusual succulent tree, perfect for a rocky garden bed or a sunny place in a yard. When given proper growing conditions, it can thrive and bring a unique texture to the landscape.

Euphorbia decaryi is a small, perennial, leafy succulent with a shrub-like development and beautiful wavy, zig-zag edged leaves. It is a mat-forming species and spreads almost horizontally on the ground by means of rhizomes. The Euphorbia decaryi growth form illustrates the typical horizontal habit of most Madagascan euphorbias.

Evergreen or semi-deciduous, leaves tufted in rosettes at the stems tips, deep-red and green colored, narrow, very succulent, highly undulate, folded and crisp with raised veins and very attractive. Leaves in summer and under stress assume a nice coppery-bronze coloring. Flowers are very curious, hanging like small bells. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping.

Euphorbia decaryi var. spirosticha is a rare cultivar from a private collection of Mark Hooten, hardly known in cultivation.

Euphorbia enopla is one of the most attractive of the euphorbias. The green, grey-green or bluish-green, ribbed branches are about 3 cm in diameter with the decorative spines tightly arranged in rows along the ribbed edges. The stems often branch out towards the upper section forming a candelabra-like effect.

As with all other Euphorbias, when a plant get damaged it exudes a thick white milky sap known as latex. This latex is poisonous and may irritate skin. Pay extreme attention not to get any in your eyes or mouth.

This semi-succulent shrub blooms all summer with bright red flowers in pairs with yellow centers. With wider leaves than Euphorbia millii and no spine, it prefers semi-shade and likes more moisture than other similar Euphorbias.

Native to Madagascar, like its spiny cousin Euphorbia millii, but much rarer in cultivation.

Discovered in the 19th century, it's one of the very few thornless Euphorbias in this group.

Flowers nearly year-round in warm climates, not just summer, especially if kept moist.

The flowers are actually bracts (modified leaves), and they appear in pairs around the true tiny yellow center.

It tolerates containers very well, making it popular for bonsai and small space gardening.

While thornless, it still produces the typical Euphorbia milky sap, which is irritating if it touches skin.

In its natural habitat, it's endangered due to deforestation and over-collection, which makes cultivated plants even more valuable to collectors.

Compared to Euphorbia millii, it prefers a bit more shade and water, giving it a softer, lusher look.

Euphorbia gottlebei is a eye-catching, small shrub is native to Madagascar, and typically grows to be 2-5 ft tall. This plant is best grown in full sun and semi-shade, however it can also tolerate semi-shade. It requires warm temperatures and moderate water - with regular watering in the summer and not letting it dry out in the winter. It is especially well-suited for xeriscaping, or dry gardening, as it can tolerate drought quite easily. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks from spring to fall for optimal growth.

This beautiful shrub produces red, crimson or vinous flowers. Plant sap tends to irritate the skin, so take proper precautions when handling. The stems of the Euphorbia are spiked or thorny in nature, making it an excellent border plant or low hedge. It is best grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11.

Euphorbia is easy to grow and maintain, but there are certain things you should consider if you live in a cold region. If you are growing Euphorbia in a pot, it should be planted in a sheltered area in winter. To protect it further, mulch the area around the base of the stem to keep frost and snow away. If you experience extremely cold temperatures in winter, bring the pot indoors and find a sunny spot to place it in.

Euphorbia grandidens (Valleybush Euphorbia) is a large shrub or small tree native to South Africa. It has dark green foliage with pale, yellowish-green veins and sharp, pointy leaf tips. This plant thrives best in full sun with moderate water but can tolerate some drought and frost.

Despite its low maintenance requirements, Euphorbia grandidens is considered an irritating plant because its leaves contain a milky latex that can trigger skin rashes or eye irritation. However, it has many ethnomedical benefits, such as relieving inflammation, treating fever, and preventing certain cancers.

The plant has thorny, spiny foliage, which can be dangerous for gardeners and house pets. It can still thrive in USDA zones 9-11 when grown in a pot. If you live in a colder region, you should bring the pot indoors before the weather gets too cold and make sure it has plenty of bright light and water. Euphorbia grandidens prefers dry soil, so avoid over-watering.

This succulent has a unique appearance with a distinctive main trunk that supports a few slender, often drooping secondary branches. Each branch bears its own whorl of long and thin foliage, which is more flexible than other euphorbias. Overall, Euphorbia grandidens is an attractive, low-maintenance succulent with a long lifespan and many health benefits. It is an excellent choice for those looking to add an interesting and highly useful plant to their garden.

Euphorbia myrsinites is a small shrub, only growing to a height of 2-5 ft. It is a plant native to Southern Europe and Asia Minor and has a distinctive look. It is perfect for adding a unique flare to any garden, as well as for xeriscaping in dry areas. This plant is incredibly drought tolerant and can tolerate full sun as well as semi-shade. It loves moderate water and will reward you with beautiful yellow to orange flowers.

However, it is also important to note that Euphorbia myrsinites is also slightly irritating to the skin, mouth and stomach, so it is best to handle the plant with care and gloves. Cautious due to its toxicity, it is a popular option for gardeners with children and pets.

Euphorbia myrsinites is perfect for growing outdoors in USDA Zones 5 through 8 and is, surprisingly, quite cold hardy. Once it's a mature plant, it can tolerate temperatures in the low 30 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time.

When planting this shrub, it's best to find a suitable growing spot it can enjoy for years to come. Because of its need for good drainage, look for a well-drained, sunny locations, with enough space for the shrub to grow to its full potential. Generally, it's best to plant the shrub in early spring, when temperatures outside remain moderate.

To plant Euphorbia myrsinites in a pot, choose a container with adequate drainage holes, fill it with quality potting soil and place it in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade each day. Water the soil deeply and consistently, allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out before each watering. For those in cold regions, bringing the potted plant indoors each winter can help protect it from market-threatening winter cold.

Euphorbia myrsinites is an eye-catching, low maintenance shrub that is perfect for a dry and sunny spot in your garden. Its unique look and vibrant flowers are sure to bring a unique flare to your garden. Plus, this shrubs drought resistance allows for more leisurely care.

Euphorbia viguieri, or Euphorbia as it is commonly known, is a small plant native to Madagascar. It grows between 2 and 5 feet in height and tends to prefer semi-shade and moderate water conditions. It is an evergreen subshrub with striking red or crimson and vinous flowers which can be seen blooming throughout the year. As with other species of Euphorbia, it is also mildly poisonous or toxic if ingested. Not to be forgotten is its spiny, or thorny properties - no doubt a defensive mechanism from predators.

Cultivating Euphorbia is easy. It can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, in soil that has good drainage and some level of organic matter content. It's best to water Euphorbia moderately and regularly during the summers, and reduce watering during the winter months. In cold regions, Euphorbia is best grown in containers in an area that gets partial sun or semi-shade, and can be brought indoors during the winter months, if necessary. The amount of water given to Euphorbia, when grown in containers, should also be reduced during the winter months. Pruning is best done after flowering, however, it is important to wear gloves when pruning, as the plant is mildly toxic.

Euphorbia is also suited for xeriscaping, as it is drought resistant and can survive in drier climates. All in all, Euphorbia is a spectacularly resilient and captivating plant that requires minimal effort for cultivation. With its bright and vibrant flowers, it makes for a delightful addition to your garden.

Euphorbia xanti - An interesting fast growing openly-branched deciduous evergreen shrub to 3 to 6 feet tall more and spreading by rhizomes to form extensive stands. The flowers of Euphorbia xanti are tiny but beautiful and long lasting. The entire shrub flowers all at once and stays that way for several months.

Shrub with decorative white bracts. Unusual species with tiny small leaves, white on top, reminding popular Poincettia. Unlike many other euphorbias, this plant is very fragrant. When it is in bloom, the air around is filled with a sweet pleasant smell. It is a close relative of the well-known and equally eyecatching, Poinsettia. In Euphorbias, the showy parts of the plant are actually leaf-shaped bracts; the tiny flowers are found in the centre of each bract. It is a fast rowing, relatively large shrub. Every part of the plant exudes a milky-white latex when damaged and may cause skin irritation when touched. Flowering time - late autumn. Protect from wind as stems tend to be brittle. It will need to be pruned back hard after flowering to stop it from becoming straggly. Caution - wear gloves when pruning and ensure no milky sap touches the body as it may be very irritating.