Euphorbia Martinii 'Baby Charm'

Baby Charm / Martin's Spurge / Spurge

Botanical Name: Euphorbia characias subsp. martinii ‘Baby Charm’
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Origin: Hybrid of Mediterranean species (E. characias × E. amygdaloides); European garden origin
Plant Type: Evergreen subshrub/perennial

Overview

‘Baby Charm’ is a compact, architectural euphorbia for South Australian gardens. Upright blue-green stems carry fine, evergreen foliage and, from late winter, are topped with large lime/chartreuse flower heads (bracts) with a red-maroon eye that glow for months. Tough, low-water and coast-tolerant — perfect for borders, gravel gardens and statement pots. (Wear gloves when pruning; milky sap is irritant.)

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.45–0.7 m H × 0.45–0.6 m W
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Evergreen blue-green, narrow leaves on upright stems; naturally tidy, clump-forming habit
• Flowers: Showy lime/chartreuse bracts with red-maroon glands, mainly late winter–spring (often into early summer)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure; peak late winter–spring display; seed heads add summer texture
• Wildlife Value: Early-season nectar for bees and hoverflies
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, clay-tolerant (with drainage), second-line coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost)
• Planting Density: Mass/borders: 3–5 plants per m² (or 0.5–0.7 m apart for rows)
• Pet Friendly: No — toxic to pets and humans if ingested; sap can irritate skin/eyes

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to light part shade (best flowering in sun)
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; thrives in poor/rocky and limestone soils; avoid waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; cut spent flowered stems at the base after blooming (leave new non-flowering shoots for next year); light feed in early spring; always wear gloves/eye protection
• Lifespan: 5–10+ years (often renewed by basal shoots/self-seeding)
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Acid, Neutral, Alkaline — broadly adaptable; thrives on neutral to alkaline soils with sharp drainage

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Feature clumps in gravel/native borders for bold winter–spring colour
• Pair with lavender, rosemary, westringia, lomandra and ornamental grasses for a Mediterranean palette
• Large pots near entries and paths for architectural impact; excellent cut stems for arrangements

Why You Will Love It

A compact, low-water showstopper: luminous lime bracts when the garden is quiet, sculptural blue-green foliage all year, and strong heat/coastal resilience — delivering instant style and months of colour with minimal fuss.