Silver Swan
Cool icy edged foliage all year long
Plant Profile: Euphorbia characis ‘Silver Swan’
A superb evergreen perennial with cool variegated leaves and white blooms in spring.
1. Common Name: Silver Swan Spurge
2. Scientific Name: Euphorbia characias ‘Silver Swan’
3. Family: Euphorbiaceae
4. Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
5. Native Range: Mediterranean Region
6. Zone Adaptability: USDA Zones 7-10; RHS H4 (Hardy through most of the UK)
7. Ideal Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil; moderately dry to medium moisture
8. Size: Height: 60-90cm (2-3ft), Spread: 60-90cm (2-3ft)
9. Growth Rate: Moderate
10. Bloom Time: Mid-spring to early summer
11. Bloom Description: Yellow-green flowers with a striking contrast to the variegated foliage
12. Leaf Description: Green leaves margined with white, offering a year-round interest
13. Uses in Landscaping: Borders, Rock Gardens, Mediterranean Gardens, Cottage Gardens, Coastal Gardens, Gravel Gardens, Foliage-only Gardens
14. Maintenance: Low; remove spent flower stems to maintain an attractive shape
15. Pests/Diseases: Generally pest free, but can be affected by powdery mildews in dry conditions
16. Other Features: Deer resistant, drought tolerant, and attractive to butterflies
17. Propagating: Division in spring or stem cuttings in summer
18. Availability: Available in a range of garden centers and online nurseries
19. Pollinators: Attracts bees and other pollinating insects
I value the different varieties of Euphorbia characis greatly, and this particular one is a favourite, a superstar of the Spring.
The foliafge remains throughout the winter, in Spring the buds that have been culed up at the tips of the stem over the winter months unroll to reveal white bracts.
After flowering, prune away the flowered stems to allow new fresh growth to emerge from the base. Easy to look after.
WARNING; Wear clothing that covers your skin, and gloves when working with Euphorbia plants, the milky white sap can be an irritant.
Ciaran The Gardener 