Contents
Description
Euphorbia Characias Glacier Blue is a stunning evergreen shrub that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. This plant has a bushy habit and grows up to 3 feet tall and wide. It produces beautiful blue-grey foliage and yellow-green flowers in spring.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Euphorbia |
Appearance
Euphorbia Characias Glacier Blue has a unique appearance with its blue-grey foliage that is covered in a white waxy coating, giving it a frosty appearance. The leaves are lance-shaped and grow opposite each other on the stems. The stems are green and have a woody texture. The plant produces small yellow-green flowers that are surrounded by showy bracts in shades of chartreuse, lime-green, and yellow. The flowers appear in spring and last for about a month.
Care Guide
Euphorbia Characias Glacier Blue is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: This plant prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
- Sunlight: Euphorbia Characias Glacier Blue prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Euphorbia Characias Glacier Blue is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause distorted growth and a sticky residue on the plant.
- Spider mites: These tiny insects can cause webbing and yellowing of the leaves.
- Crown and root rot: Overwatering and poorly-draining soil can cause crown and root rot in the plant.
Habitat
Euphorbia Characias Glacier Blue is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found growing in rocky and dry areas. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes around the world.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Euphorbia Characias Glacier Blue toxic to pets?
A: Yes, this plant is toxic and can cause skin irritation and digestive issues in pets if ingested.
Q: Can Euphorbia Characias Glacier Blue be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as they are well-draining and the plant is not overwatered.
Q: How often should I fertilize Euphorbia Characias Glacier Blue?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Does Euphorbia Characias Glacier Blue attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant produces flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Euphorbia Characias
- Euphorbia Characias Black Pearl
- Euphorbia Characias Humpty Dumpty
References
- Gardenia.net. (n.d.). Euphorbia characias ‘Glacier Blue’ (Mediterranean Spurge). [online] Available at: https://www.gardenia.net/plant/euphorbia-characias-glacier-blue [Accessed 9 Nov. 2021].
- Finegardening.com. (n.d.). Euphorbia characias ‘Glacier Blue’. [online] Available at: https://www.finegardening.com/plant/euphorbia-characias-glacier-blue [Accessed 9 Nov. 2021].
- RHS. (n.d.). Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii ‘Glacier Blue’. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/267189/Euphorbia-characias-subsp-wulfenii-Glacier-Blue/Details [Accessed 9 Nov. 2021].
