Euphorbia characias 'Portuguese Velvet'

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Evergreen Spurge

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Information by: GardenSoft Photographer:

Description

This sculptural looking perennial looks like a succulent because of the finger-like, fleshy, gray green foliage. Gold colored flowers appear on the tips of the foliage in spring. It reaches 2'-3' tall and 3'-4' wide, tolerating full sun in coastal areas but preferring afternoon shade in warm, inland valleys. It is drought tolerant once it's established. Sap may be irritating to skin and poisonous so use gloves when pruning.

Plant Type

Perennial

Height Range

1-3'

Width Range

3-6'

Flower Color

Yellow

Flower Season

Spring

Leaf Color

Blue Green, Grey Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Unparticular

Soil Condition

Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

Allergenic, Poisonous

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Specimen, Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks

Special Uses

Container

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs.

If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.