Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Euphorbia characias 'Bruce's Dwarf'
Bruce's Dwarf Spurge
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Height
- 18–24 in
- Width
- 24–30 in
- Flower color
- Chartreuse yellow bracts with contrasting darker centers in clusters
- Foliage color
- Blue-green evergreen foliage forming dense upright compact clumps
- Bloom time
- Late winter through spring
- Light
- Full sun to light partial shade
- Water
- Low to moderate, well-drained soil, drought tolerant once established
- Maintenance
- Low; cut back spent flowering stems after bloom and wear gloves to avoid sap irritation
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7–10
- Wildlife
- Bees and other pollinators
About this plant
Euphorbia characias 'Bruce's Dwarf' forms dense, upright mounds of narrow blue-green foliage that remain present through the year, creating steady structure in the garden. In early to mid-spring, domed clusters of chartreuse bracts surround tiny central flowers, producing a soft glow that persists for many weeks and brings brightness to borders and containers.
Selected from Mediterranean populations of the species and refined in cultivation for compact habit and consistent flowering, it reflects the sun-drenched landscapes where wild forms evolved. Durable evergreen growth and long-lasting spring display provide dependable texture and color across the changing seasons.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Hostas · Ferns · Astilbes · Foxgloves · Bergenias · Sedums
Design tip
Winter interest is the reason to grow it, so keep it near an entry where the bloom is noticed. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
