Euphorbia characias 'Portuguese Velvet'

Also Known As

Portuguese Velvet Spurge

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 2'-3'
W: 3'-4'

planting zones

7a-11

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Euphorbia characias 'Portuguese Velvet' plant details

Euphorbia characias 'Portuguese Velvet' is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue and green foliage. In spring and winter chartreuse flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Euphorbia characias 'Portuguese Velvet'

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: euphorbiaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 3 FT - 4 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: chartreuse blooms in spring and winter
Uses: unique, year-round-interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Euphorbia characias 'Portuguese Velvet'

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

'Portuguese Velvet' is a lovely selection of this species with a more diminutive stature and intriguing leaves that, due to the fine hairs, look as if they've been cut from velvet. The flowers are lime green with maroon ovaries and are produced in early spring. This selection does not seem to be quite as hardy as the larger ssp. wulfenii so provide some winter mulch and a well-drained location.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

An evergreen shrub forming a low mound of dark blue-green, velvety in appearance and feel, lance shaped leaves in whorls around succulent red stems. Acid green bracts containing tiny red flowers form compact heads which nod above the foliage in spring. Each branch flowers only once, so when spent remove them just above the point of new growth to keep the plant looking fresh and prime, or wait till after the seed has dropped for a healthy crop of seedlings. Needs little if any additional water over summer and is quite happy in some shade, great for hiding the feet of a gawky rose. A friendlier feeling plant than typical E. characias being lower, softer and considerably smaller in all it's parts.

By: Zephs

Stems to 3' high carry densely arranged, velvety blue-gray leaves and heads of distinctive golden-brown flowers. Place in full sun and well-drained soil. Good choice for milder climates. Hardy to 0 °F. Western Mediterranean, Portugal.

By: Native Sons

I've long had a soft spot for this selection which to my mind trumps all others. Arguments can be made for better flowers or foliage more kaleidoscopic but something about the depth of texture of the leaves evokes the botanical equivalent of the tender hollows of the inner thigh.