Photo of Euphorbia balsamifera berries, flower, form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Euphorbia balsamifera

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 3'-6'
  • W: 2'

planting zones

  • 10a-11

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Euphorbia balsamifera plant details

Euphorbia balsamifera is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with blue and green foliage. In summer chartreuse and yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Euphorbia balsamifera

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: euphorbiaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue and green
Mature size: 2 FT wide, 3 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: chartreuse and yellow blooms in summer
Uses: bonsai, container plant, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Euphorbia balsamifera

USDA Zones: 10a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Coveted by bonsai collectors, this beautiful, rare Canary Island shrub will easily thrive in our similar Mediterranean climate here along the coast of California. Growing 3’-6’ tall (in the ground) depending on how much water it receives, Eurphorbia balsamifera forms a rounded shrub covered with dense, attractive long-oval shaped green or blue-green foliage above thick, gnarling, terracotta colors, branching stems, with the base stalks becoming very thick. The small yellow-chartreuse “flowers” are followed by showy, bright yellow berries. Though tolerant of Summer drought, the foliage will be more lush with average water. For the gnarly succulent look you can withhold summer water.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Euphorbia balsamifera plant

How to Grow Euphorbia balsamifera

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
    • chartreuse
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Euphorbia for your garden

aka Caribbean Copper Plant, Tropical Smoke Bush, Tropical Spurge

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 10'-15'

Width: 10'-15'

  • sun
  • dry when dormant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Euphorbia cotinifolia foliage by Forest & Kim Starr
View Plant

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aka Euphorbia cylindrifolia v. tuberifera

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 6"-18"

Width: 18"-36"

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Euphorbia cylindrifolia ssp. tuberifera flower, foliage, form by Frank Vincentz
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Shrub, Cactus / Succulent

Zones

10a-12

Size

Height: 2'-8'

Width: 2'-6'

  • sun - bright shade
  • occasional
  • dry in summer
Photo of Euphorbia hedyotoides foliage, form by Frank Vincentz
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aka Euphorbia platyclada v. platyclada, Tirucallia platyclada

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

10a-12

Size

Height: 20"-30"

Width: 20"-30"

  • bright shade
  • drought tolerant
Photo of Euphorbia platyclada foliage by Joe Mabel
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aka Pencil Milkbush

Plant Type

Shrub, Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9a-12

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Euphorbia mauritanica flower by Far Out Flora
View Plant

More Options

+306 more Euphorbia
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