Euphorbia Species

Central Phoenix -- Euphorbia xantii may prove to be too vigorous for the location I planted it. It is under a 6 foot cold frame, but I h...Read Moread to cut a couple feet off the plant to put up the frame. Even under the cover it was frozen back substantially in January 2013 (24 F) to only a couple stems. It has recovered well. It grows in a harsh site with full afternoon sun and heat off an east-facing block wall. It gets water only once a month in summer and none in winter.

We originally saw this plant at the Huntington Garden in Pasadena. The group oohed and aahed over its color and grandeur. As we were in...Read More the "cactus garden" area I suggested it was probably a Euphorbia and my friends thought I was crazy/wrong (it is so bushy and profuse with flowers it doesn't look like it would be). Recently found a beautiful rather large specimen at a local specialty nursery and grabbed it for only $35.00. Unlike most Euphorbia's, the flowers are quite fragrant. I note palmbob's warning about invasiveness but have it in an area where growing tall and wide would be desirable. If I need to prune, gloves will be used to prevent the sap from attacking.

Bought as a cute, unusual little succulent bush with lots of light pink to white flowers most of the winter. Not really much in the way ...Read Moreof leaves (they are there, but tiny), just a mess of tiny branches on a small woody stem. But after planting the innocent little beast in the ground, it start to cluster vigorously, then show up several feet away a year or so later, and now is everywhere. On top of that, the little bush became a monstrous, tangled shrub draping itself over everything nearby. ANd like most Euphorbias, likes to drool toxic white sap all over you when you start to hack it back. Be cautious before stuffing this 'cute little plant' in the ground in your yard. Likes lots of water in the summer- couldn't care less in the winter.