Euphorbia characias ‘Portuguese Velvet'
Garden Plant Information

Euphorbia characias ‘Portuguese Velvet' habit

 

Euphorbia characias ‘Portuguese Velvet' leaf

 

Name

Euphorbia characias ‘Portuguese Velvet' (also called Spurge 'Portuguese Velvet')

Genus  

Euphorbia

Species

characias

Cultivar/variety

‘Portuguese Velvet'

General description

Evergreen, low-growing, herbaceous perennial. Good for winter foliage. Drought tolerant so good for dry gravel gardens.

Season of interest

All year round.

Key horticultural features

  1. Habit - low-growing, dome shaped. H: 90cm S: 90cm

  2. Leaves - soft and velvety, grey-green. The tiny silver hairs on the leaves light up in low light, giving the appearance of a halo.

  3. Flowers - bunches of pale green bracts produced, in spring, with brown-black centres.

Cultural details

Aspect

Full sun to partial shade.

Soil

Well drained, will tolerate poor soil.

Hardiness

Not fully hardy - plant in a warm sheltered spot.

Maintenance

May start to look scruffy after about five years but can be refreshed by division. Can be cut right back, when it will resprout from stems. Take care when working with this plant as the sap is irritant - wear gloves.

Propagation

By division or basal cuttings. May also self seed in mild areas.

 

 

 

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Published: 15-11-2005

Updated:   15-11-2005