Euphorbia milii var. roseana (Crown of Thorns)

Scientific Name

Euphorbia milii var. roseana Marn.-Lap. ex Demoly

Common Names

Crown of Thorns

Scientific Classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia

Description

Euphorbia milii var. roseana is a spiny, deciduous, succulent shrub, up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall, with upright branches. The leaves are found mainly on new growth and are obovate (wider near the tip), up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) broad. This variety is distinguished by its diminutive creamy-yellow or pink-flushed cyathophylls.

Photo via davesgarden.com

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Euphorbias are very easy to care for. They require a little pampering to become established, but once they are, they are self-sufficient. In fact, more die from too much care and watering than from neglect. Euphorbias need well-draining soil and lots of sunlight. They are not particular about soil pH, but they cannot tolerant wet soil.

Unlike most succulents, Euphorbia does not handle long periods of drought well. It may need weekly watering during the summer. Water whenever the soil is dry several inches below the surface. Water deeply, but don’t let them sit in wet soil, which can cause root rot.

Add some organic matter or fertilizer to the planting hole. If you are growing them in containers or your soil is poor, feed with a half-strength fertilizer monthly.

Euphorbia can be grown from seed, but they can be difficult to germinate (or even find). It is usually propagated by cuttings. This can be tricky, because of the exuding sap. Rooting hormone is recommended with Euphorbias.. – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia