Euphorbia rigida

Gopher Plant

Accent

This small, shrubby evergreen perennial grows to about two feet high and three feet wide at a slow to moderate pace.

Temperature

Hardy to 5F.

Water requirements

Drought-tolerant, but will grow faster with summer irrigation. Don't overwater in summer heat - just enough to prevent die-back. Give more water after nights cool down to bring on winter vigor.

Sun

Full sun, light shade.

Soil

Tolerant of most fast-draining soils.

Maintenance

Periodic. Prune away old flowering stems as they die back after winter and spring bloom periods.

Disadvantages

Sap is poisonous; be careful when pruning. Reseeds in other areas. Damping off can be a problem during summer rainy periods. Stems die back after flowering and fruiting. Slow to establish.

Bloom

Greenish-yellow bracts from winter to spring. Turn red with age.

Fruit or Seeds

Seeds spread easily.

Uses

Container plant. Borders. Specimen. Winter color

Origin

Native of South Africa. Member of the Euphorbiaceae family.

Themes

Desert Transitional, Tropical, Subtropical, Pool Area.

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