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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Euphorbia characias 'Bruce's Dwarf'

Bruce's Dwarf Spurge

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.

Light

Full sun to light partial shade

Water

Low to moderate, well-drained soil, drought tolerant once established

Bloom time

Late winter through spring

Find this plant

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.