Scientific Name
Euphorbia 'Tasmanian Tiger'
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia characias 'Tasmanian Tiger', Euphobia 'Tassie Tiger'
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Origin
Euphorbia 'Tasmanian Tiger' is a chance hybrid plant that resulted from the open pollination between Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'Lambrook Gold' and an unidentified cultivar of Euphorbia characias. It was discovered and selected in 1993 in Sally Johannsohn's garden in Tasmania, Australia, and patented (PP15715P2) in 2005.
Description
Euphorbia 'Tasmanian Tiger', usually sold as Euphorbia characias 'Tasmanian Tiger', is a perennial shrub with pale grey-green stems and variegated leaves with grey-green centers and creamy-white margins. It can grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall, nearly equal in width, typically from a woody base, displaying compact, rounded growth. The leaves are linear to sword-shaped, measuring up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) long and 0.3 inches (0.75 cm) wide.
The flowers have creamy-white to creamy-yellow petal-like bracts with grey-green centers and appear in attractive clusters at the top of the stems in spring and summer.
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia' Tasmanian Tiger'
Light: This succulent is a sun lover. Place your indoor E. 'Tasmanian Tiger' in a sunny window. You may place the pot on the balcony or in the garden from spring to fall. Increase sun exposure gradually to prevent sunburn.
Soil: E. 'Tasmanian Tiger' requires well-drained soil. Use a commercial potting mix formulated for succulents, or make your own.
Temperature: High summer temperatures are not a problem, but low winter temperatures can damage or kill your plant. E.' Tasmanian Tiger' can withstand temperatures as low as 20 °F (-6.7 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9a to 11b, 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C).
Watering: From spring to fall, water when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter. Give it just enough water to prevent wilting. The best time of the day to water your E. characias' Tasmanian Tiger' in the warm season is the evening.
Fertilizing: Plants in a pot need regular feeding. Apply a balanced fertilizer in a 10-10-10 NPK formulation, diluted to 1/4 strength weekly during the growing season.
Repotting: E. 'Tasmanian Tiger' will benefit from repotting, but it does not need to be repotted yearly. When your plant is outgrowing its pot, it is time to repot it in a larger pot and give it a fresh potting mix. The repotting is best done in early spring, at the beginning of the growing season. Wear gloves, protective clothing, and appropriate eye protection when repotting this succulent.
Propagation: This plant is easy to propagate by using stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in spring or summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia.
Toxicity of Euphorbia 'Tasmanian Tiger'
E.' Tasmanian Tiger' produces a toxic white milky sap that can irritate the skin and eyes. Therefore, keeping your plant away from children and pets is best.
Links
- Back to genus Euphorbia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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