John Rickard
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Botanical Name
EUPHORBIA milii
Plant Common Name
Crown-of-Thorns
General Description
This thorny plant has some of the showiest flowers of all the Euphorbias. A native of Madagascar, crown-of-thorns is a tropical, succulent shrub that stays evergreen year-round where hardy. From spring to late summer it produces many flowers with two showy bracts that are most typically scarlet red. Cultivars with orange, pink, white or creamy yellow bracts are also available.
Highly drought tolerant, this tough tropical requires full sun and can tolerate average to poor soil with good drainage. In tropical zones, crown-of-thorns may be grown in mixed borders or foundation plantings. In temperate regions it is commonly grown as a houseplant or in container plantings.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 13, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
1'-4' / 0.3m - 1.2m
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Width
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Madagascar
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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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
Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown
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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
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
