Photo of Euphorbia rigida flower, form by hortulus

Photo by hortulus

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Euphorbia rigida

Also Known As

  • Gopher Plant
  • Rigid Spurge

Plant type

perennial, cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 12"-18"
  • W: 18"-24"

planting zones

  • 7a-11

More Options

Euphorbia rigida plant details

Euphorbia rigida is an evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial cactus / succulent with blue foliage. In spring green and yellow flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Euphorbia rigida

Plant type: perennial cactus / succulent
Plant family: euphorbiaceae
Foliage: evergreen or semi-evergreen blue
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: green and yellow blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, rock garden, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Euphorbia rigida

USDA Zones: 7a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

In a word: geometric! This evergreen clump-forming spurge has stiff, pointed silver leaves and arresting acid-yellow flowers in spring. Mature flower heads and leaves can turn a beautiful coral as we move into fall. 2' x 2,' spreading, and perfect for a foreground. Minimum temperature: -20°F
Beware! The sculptural patterns created by these sharply pointed, powder blue, narrow leaves clasping pale green stems may leave you feeling mesmerized. Warmed with burgundy tinges as the weather cools, the fleshy, evergreen foliage bolsters acid green, rounded flower heads that remind us of miniature poinsettia blooms. Claiming the Mediterranean from Portugal to South Africa as its homeland, this easy-to-grow toughie asks only for a dry, sunny spot, and in turn promises superb winter color in a container or in the garden amid small bulbs and Agave 'Garland's Gold'.
As with most Euphorbias, sap is toxic. Full Sun. Clusters of Chartreuse Flowers on Branch Tips. Outdoor.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Glaucous multi-stemmed perennial to 2' high with narrow, gray-green leaves. Tolerant of heat, sun, cold and drought, it is best in well-drained soils. Broad-domed flower clusters appearing in late winter or early spring are chartreuse yellow, fading to pink. Hardy to 10F. Mediterranean.
This is one of my favorite Euphorbias – plus it’s a cinch to grow! The foliage of Euphorbia rigida is a beautiful blue-green & consists of pointy leaves spiraling around upright stems. The flowers, which occur in late Winter through Spring, are a cheerful lime green that contrasts nicely with the blue foliage. The plant grows to about 2’ tall & 3’ wide. After the flowers are spent prune out old stems to make way for the new growth. Be careful not to get the milky sap on your skin, as it can be irritating, but that same milky sap makes it a great deer resistant plant! From areas of the Mediterranean.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Euphorbia rigida plant

How to Grow Euphorbia rigida

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
    • green
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous
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