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Mediterranean Spurge Euphorbia x martini

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Mediterranean Spurge:

Previously known as:

  • Euphorbia x cornubiensis
  • Euphorbia x malahidensis
Phonetic Spelling
yoo-FOR-bee-uh mar-TIN-ee
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Martins' spurge is a subshrub native to France and discovered in the late 1800s. It is a natural hybrid between the Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias) and wood spurge (E. amygdaloides ssp. amygdaloides). Grow in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. It tolerates rocky, dry soil and drought conditions once established. Pinch or prune back to 6" in height in the mid-spring right after the plant flowers to promote a bushy habit.  Always wear gloves when working with this plant to avoid the toxic milky sap.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease problems. 

Quick ID Hints:

  • Chartreuse bracts subtend apetalous yellow flowers
  • Bushy perennial herb to 3' with variable leaves
  • Milky white latex sap

 

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Euphorbia.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscapes:
Containers at Pitt County Arboretum Pollinator and Culinary Garden Asian Garden- Zen Garden
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Ascot Rainbow' PP21401
    Variegated leaves green, yellow - reds and oranges in fall.
  • 'Inneuphhel' HELENA'S BUSH
    Compact and bushy, resists powdery mildew
  • 'Waleutiny' TINY TIM
    Smaller plant 12" tall smaller leaves
'Ascot Rainbow' PP21401, 'Inneuphhel' HELENA'S BUSH, 'Waleutiny' TINY TIM
Tags:
#evergreen#drought tolerant#colorful leaves#low maintenance#edging#bracts#groundcover#rock garden#border planting#bedding plants#fantz#small group plantings#sandy soils tolerant#rocky soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#container plant#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Ascot Rainbow' PP21401
    Variegated leaves green, yellow - reds and oranges in fall.
  • 'Inneuphhel' HELENA'S BUSH
    Compact and bushy, resists powdery mildew
  • 'Waleutiny' TINY TIM
    Smaller plant 12" tall smaller leaves
'Ascot Rainbow' PP21401, 'Inneuphhel' HELENA'S BUSH, 'Waleutiny' TINY TIM
Tags:
#evergreen#drought tolerant#colorful leaves#low maintenance#edging#bracts#groundcover#rock garden#border planting#bedding plants#fantz#small group plantings#sandy soils tolerant#rocky soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#container plant#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Euphorbia
    Family:
    Euphorbiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    France
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Insignificant
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Insignificant
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Cup
    Flower Petals:
    Bracts
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Actual flowers are insignificant tiny with no petals. It has bracts that form flower-like cups with red centers which appear in the spring April-May.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Whorled
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Linear
    Obovate
    Spatulate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Narrow leaves with various colors depending on the cultivar. Arranged spirally, shape varies linear-lanceolate to spatulate or obovate.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Patio
    Small Space
    Landscape Theme:
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Small groups
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Rabbits
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    The milky white latex sap found in all plant parts can cause mild to severe contact dermatitis. If contact with the eyes occurs the sap can cause temporary to permanent damage to the cornea. If eaten, blistering can occur on lips and oral mucosa. Avoid ingesting plant parts and keep plants away from pets and children.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Diterpene esters in milky latex
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Sap/Juice