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Cactus SucculentConservatory Greenhouse

Euphorbia horrida

African milk barrel

A cactus-like shrub with erect, ridged stems bearing long spines and solitary green flowers

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
°Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»å
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer Blue Green Green
Autumn Blue Green
Winter Blue Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing or ³§´Ç³Ü³Ù³ó–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: IRRITANT to skin/eye, harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Euphorbia can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or succulents, with milky sap and small flowers held within cupped, often colourful bracts

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S Africa (Cape)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with sharp sand in full light with good ventilation. Water sparingly when in growth keep dry in winter. In the growing season feed a low nitrogen liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times. See Euphorbia for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 15 - 18°C in early spring or stem in spring or early summer. Separate offsets in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs, glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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