Care of the shrub Euphorbia dendroides or Tree spurge |
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The genus Euphorbia, family Euphorbiaceae, comprises about 7,000 species of succulents, herbaceous and shrub plants of cosmopolitan distribution. Some shrub species are: Euphorbia dendroides, Euphorbia lambii, Euphorbia piscatoria, Euphorbia regis-jubae, Euphorbia umbellata, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Euphorbia cotinifolia, Euphorbia milii, Euphorbia characias, Euphorbia rigida, Euphorbia leucocephala, Euphorbia anachoreta, Euphorbia tithymaloides. Common name: Tree spurge. This species is native to the Mediterranean region. They are slow-growing, spherical shrubs that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height and width. The oblong-lanceolate leaves are light green in color and turn reddish after flowering. In summer they can lose their leaves if they suffer drought. They produce showy inflorescences with yellow bracts at the end of the branches. They bloom in early spring. They are used as isolated specimens, in rockery, on sunny slopes, in bushy groups and in pots for patios and terraces. Euphorbia dendroides needs full sun exposure and a frost-free climate. They do not resist temperatures below 5 ºC (41 ºF). They grow in any soil that has excellent drainage, even on sandy, stony and rocky soils. Water moderately in spring and fall; in summer they come to rest and you only have to water them once a month. In winter they can keep up with the rains. They do not need fertilizers or pruning. They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excessive watering. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring and by cuttings. Be careful with the irritating latex they produce. |
Images of the shrub Euphorbia dendroides or Tree spurge |
 Euphorbia dendroides  Euphorbia dendroides  Euphorbia dendroides |