James H. Schutte
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Botanical Name
EUPHORBIA characias 'Tasmanian Tiger' PP15715
Plant Common Name
Mediterranean Spurge, Tasmanian Tiger Spurge
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Tasmanian Tiger spurge was discovered in Tasmania, Australia in 1993, and was selected for its compact growth and beautifully variegated foliage. It resulted from a chance cross between Euphorbia characias ‘Lambrook Gold’ and an unidentified cultivar of the same species. It is a form of Mediterranean spurge, a shrubby perennial native to Portugal and the western Mediterranean region of Europe.
The mint green leaves and flower bracts of ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ are edged and striped with crisp white, adding extra visual appeal to its bold, architectural form. Its narrow, linear leaves densely encircle thick, upright stems, and remain evergreen to semi-evergreen throughout winter. Airy, rounded flower clusters are displayed on the ends of the stems in spring. These are composed of showy, variegated bracts surrounding less conspicuous, small, pale yellow flowers.
Provide this beauty with full sun and very well-drained soil of average to modest fertility. Wet or poorly-drained conditions should be avoided. Stems may be cut to the ground immediately after flowering to rejuvenate new foliage. Use ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ in containers or as a specimen in rock gardens or well-drained mixed borders. Its silvery foliage really shines when combined with more richly-colored perennials.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 7
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Width
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Southern Europe, Mediterranean
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Yellow
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Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
White, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
White, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
