Euphorbia lathyris
Caper spurge, Myrtle spurge, Mole plant, Gopher plant
- Height × spread
- 1.5m × 0.8m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A curious plant with a distinctive odd angular appearance, with long triangular blue green leaves that clasp the stem in opposing pairs, the leaves stretched out like wings. At the top of the stem a neck like curve so one imagines a cold reptilian eye, poised to strike! It has the reputation of being a mole repellent but this hasn't been proved. The seeds are ejaculated with a bang, and you can be confident that they will all set. The whole plant is poisonous and the seeds should not be eaten. This stands up to 1.5m (5ft) in height with an 80cm (2ft 6in) spread.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Blue
- Stem colour
- Purple
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 1.5m
- Spread
- 0.8m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- Alkaline
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Harmful if eaten; skin & eye irritant
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Found in
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