Mediterranean spurge
Silver Swan
Euphorbia characias
‘Silver Swan’
Many of the best and largest garden spurges derive from the Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias) including ‘Silver Swan’, above.
Native to the Mediterranean basin, from Portugal and Spain across southern Europe to the Balkans, Turkey and parts of North Africa. In the wild it typically grows in dry, rocky, well‑drained sites such as open scrub, rocky hillsides, stony fields, road banks and other disturbed ground, often in full sun and in generally arid, summer‑dry conditions. Fortunately, it is reliable hardy in the uk, surviving as low as -10C given a well-drained spot.
It typically reaches a mature height of 90-120 cm (3-4 ft) and spread of 60-100 cm (2-3.3 ft), in a few years, forming an upright, woody-based evergreen subshrub. In cultivation they rarely live longer than 6-7 years, although a council planting on a roundabout near me has a dramatic hedge of these spurges, which has lasted nearly two decades.
Many good garden cultivars have been developed from the Mediterranean spurge, such as the robust E. characias subsp. wulfenii, most of which retain the blue-grey foliage and acid-green flowers. Here are some I photographed when out and about:
Cultivar
‘Silver Swan’
Euphorbia characias
‘Silver Swan’
Flower: Apr/May/Jun
Height: 0.6 – 1.2m
Width: 1.0 – 1.5m
Position: Sun / Shade
Soil: Free-draining / Dry
Euphorbia characias ‘Silver Swan’
One of the most interesting Mediterranean spurge cultivars that I have grown is ‘Silver Swan’. It is one of the few silver coloured perennials which can thrive in dry shade, making it an interesting candidate for such difficult spots. It also thrives in full sun, and open north shade making it a versatile option in the garden.
The blue-grey leaves with their white edging produce an overall silvery effect. For a variagated plant it is surprisingly handsome. Planted in a shady corner (mine are backed by yew hedges) they positively glow.
The plant is less vigorous than giants like Wulfenii, which is helpful in the small garden, but are still in the ‘large spurge’ category. You can expect a rounded shrubby clump, about 60–90 cm (24–35 in) high and wide in 3-5 years.
It’s a little bit more tender than the species so benefits from a sheltered spot. This can be helped by avoiding rich soils and not feeding to prevent excessive growth. Cutting back the old flowering stems in late summer or early spring encourages healthy new growth.
The white colouration goes into the flowers too, which form soft frothy heads in March
Design Potential
Being evergreen, ‘Silver Swan’ has a strong presence throughout the year. I grew mine in a corner where two yew hedges met. The contrast of silver against dark green was spectacular. Adjacent white roses along with blue and pink perennials created a year-round planting scheme.
Euphorbia ‘Silver Swan’ – Gallery: Through the Year
Other late-summer flowers to pair with Euphorbia ‘Silver Swan’
Practical Tips
HOW TO GROW
Mediterranean Spurge
‘Silver Swan’
POSITION
Surprisingly shade tolerant, doing well in full sun through to medium-shade. They detest waterlogged or excessively rich soils so improve drainage if possible. Drought-tolerant – even in the shade – once established. A mature plant can suffer wind rock, so a sheltered spot is best.
MAINTENANCE
Cut back flowered stems close to their base in late summer or autumn, leaving new foliage shoots to replace them. Wear gloves when handling. to avoid contact with the white latex which is irritant to skin and eyes. Ensure they have space as they bulk out with age.
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Wood Spurge »
So very useful, inormative, inspiring. Unable to express my enthusiasm und my gratitute in words. The WORLD’s best garden blog, ever!
Thank you so much Monica! I’ve been working on this article on and off for over a year. It took a big push over the last few weeks to get it finished, so I’m grateful for your appreciation.