Euphorbia, milii - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Euphorbia milii (crown of thorns) is a spiny succulent shrub native to Madagascar, grown for its bright, long-lasting floral bracts and drought tolerance. It forms woody, thorn-covered stems with small, oval leaves clustered near the growing tips. The true flowers are tiny, surrounded by showy bracts in shades of red, pink, yellow, or white. The plant blooms over a long season in warm conditions and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical gardens, as well as in containers.

Thai Giant Hybrids are a group of Euphorbia milii cultivars selected in Thailand for exceptionally large floral bracts, often exceeding 2 in across, and a wide range of intense colors, including multicolored and patterned forms. These hybrids also tend to have more compact growth and heavier blooming compared to typical forms. Grow in full sun to light shade, in well-drained soil, and water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Hardy in USDA Zones 10 11; protect from frost. Propagation is by stem cuttings, taken with care due to the plant s toxic latex sap.

This slow-growing evergreen, succulent shrub can attain a height of two feet. It has green leaves and either yellow, red or pink flowers. Various hybrids of the plant have been produced offering larger, different color bracts, whether yellow or pink. The plant has a high drought tolerance and can be propagated by cuttings. Prostrate and upright forms are available. The sap of this plant can be a skin irritant. The plant has thorns.

Chinese grow E. millii as plant of fortune, they believe that when the plant produces 8 flower in an inflorescence, they will be lucky. Hybridization of Euphobia millii started in Thailand and China around 1990. A single complete collection of cultivars wouldn't exist because too many hybrids were produced. See Thai Euphorbias - exotic milti-colored.

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