Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii – Bold Evergreen with Striking Spring Bracts

The Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii is one of the most dramatic and architectural euphorbias, admired for its bold evergreen foliage and impressive spring flower heads. From late winter through early summer, tall stems are crowned with large, lime-green bracts that often have a contrasting dark “eye” at their centre. These long-lasting flowers bring brightness and structure to borders at a time when colour is still scarce in the garden.

With its upright stems and narrow, grey-green leaves, this euphorbia provides year-round interest and is particularly effective in contemporary borders, gravel gardens, or Mediterranean-style planting schemes. Hardy, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance, it’s a versatile perennial that adds both structure and vibrancy.

General Information

Native to the Mediterranean region, Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii has become a staple plant in UK gardens thanks to its resilience and bold appearance.

• Habit: Upright, clump-forming evergreen subshrub with tall stems.

• Height & spread: Typically grows 90–120cm tall and 80–100cm wide.

• Foliage: Narrow, lance-shaped grey-green leaves held in whorls along upright stems.

• Flowers: Large, rounded heads of lime-green bracts, often with a dark eye.

• Flowering season: March to June, with bracts that can remain attractive for weeks.

• Position: Prefers full sun but tolerates very light partial shade.

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; thrives in chalky, sandy, or loamy conditions.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland.

• Uses: Excellent for borders, gravel gardens, Mediterranean-style planting, and as a bold focal point.

This euphorbia’s combination of evergreen foliage and spring flower bracts makes it an invaluable perennial for year-round garden structure.

Care Guide

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii is a hardy, easy-care plant that thrives in sun and free-draining soil.

Planting

• When to plant: Best in spring or autumn when the soil is warm and moist.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; allow 80–100cm spacing for mature growth.

• Preparation: Improve drainage in heavy soils by adding grit or sand.

• Containers: Can be grown in large pots with free-draining compost.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during the first season to help establish roots.

• Once established, drought-tolerant and requires little extra watering.

• Feed with a slow-release fertiliser in spring to support foliage and flowers.

Pruning & Maintenance

• After flowering, cut the spent flower stems down to the base to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

• Always wear gloves when pruning, as euphorbias produce a milky sap that can irritate skin.

• Mulch in spring with compost or gravel to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture.

• Remove any dead or damaged foliage in late winter for a tidy appearance.

Protection

• Fully hardy with no winter protection needed.

• Evergreen foliage may scorch in extreme cold or wind, but plants recover quickly.

• Generally pest- and disease-free, making it very reliable.

Why Choose Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii?

This bold perennial offers year-round interest, wildlife value, and low-maintenance care.

• Striking flowers: Impressive lime-green bracts appear in spring.

• Evergreen structure: Grey-green foliage provides year-round colour.

• Architectural impact: Tall stems add height and structure to borders.

• Drought-tolerant: Thrives in dry soils once established.

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, pest-resistant, and reliable.

The Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii is a standout choice for gardeners who want architectural form, vibrant spring colour, and dependable evergreen structure. Whether used as a focal point in a border, paired with ornamental grasses, or planted in a gravel garden, it brings lasting beauty and structure to any outdoor space.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.