James H. Schutte
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Botanical Name
Euphorbia dulcis 'Chameleon'
Plant Common Name
Chameleon Spurge, Spurge
General Description
The burgundy-red foliage of the knockout perennial spurge ‘Chameleon’ offers season-long interest to sunny perennial borders. The tough and showy sweet spurge is a bushy spreading perennial native to Eastern Europe. Its upright branches are lined with rows of elliptical, waxy, burgundy-red leaves that emit a white, milky sap when broken. Early in the season, its stems become topped with tiny clusters of yellow-green flowers surrounded by attractive purple-red bracts that provide long-lasting interest.
Sweet spurge is very tolerant of drought and heat once established. It prefers full to partial sun and average well-drained soil. Plant this easy, low maintenance perennial where with other showy, sun-loving ornamentals. Its attractive foliage looks great all summer and combines well with many other plants, such as colorful dwarf daylilies, small ornamental grasses and sedums.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 9
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Sunset Zone
16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm (18)
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Width
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Eastern Europe
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Red, Yellow Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Red, Gray Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Red, Gray Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Red, Gray Green, Burgundy
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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
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
