Euphorbia characias 'Tasmanian Tiger'
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Variegated Mediterranean Spurge / Tasmanian Tiger Euphorbia
Botanical Name: Euphorbia characias ‘Tasmanian Tiger’
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Origin: Mediterranean region (variegated selection; discovered/selected in Australia)
Plant Type: Evergreen subshrub/perennial (architectural, clump-forming)
Overview
A striking, drought-tolerant Euphorbia for Adelaide/SA, prized for its blue-green leaves edged creamy white and big lime-cream flower bracts in late winter–spring. Loves full sun, lean/free-draining soils and summer heat, making it ideal for gravel/Mediterranean borders, modern plantings and coastal, second-line sites. Keep winter drainage sharp, especially in the Hills.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 0.6–0.9 m H × 0.6–0.9 m W (can reach ~1.0 m in ideal conditions)
- Growth Rate: 15-30 cm/year under good conditions
- Foliage: Narrow, blue-green leaves with bold creamy margins; tidy, upright domes
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Flowers: Tall stems topped with chartreuse-to-cream bracts (late winter–spring); long-lasting display
- Seasonal Interest: Year-round variegated foliage; strong late winter–spring show
- Wildlife Value: Bracts provide nectar/pollen for bees & beneficial insects
- Tolerance: Drought- and heat-tolerant once established; wind-tolerant; second-line coastal OK; light–moderate frost hardy (protect from severe black frosts & winter waterlogging)
- Planting Density: Borders/edging: 3 per metre (≈30–40 cm centres); Mass: 4–6 plants/m²; Containers: 30–40 cm pots (free-draining)
- Pet Friendly: Warning – sap is toxic/irritant. Wear gloves/eye protection when pruning. Keep away from pets and children; ingestion may cause illness, sap can irritate skin/eyes
Where It Works Best
- Sunlight: Full sun (best colour/compact habit) to light part shade
- Soil: Free-draining sandy/loam; thrives on neutral–alkaline (calcareous) Adelaide soils; raise/mound on clay to avoid winter wet feet
- Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 3–4 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); little in winter
- Maintenance: Cut spent flowering stems to the base after flowering (blooming stems are biennial); avoid cutting into non-flowered stems. Wear PPE for latex sap. Light feed in spring; avoid heavy fertiliser
- Lifespan: 5–8+ years in well-drained sites (easy to renew from basal shoots)
- Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA—excellent on Adelaide Plains & second-line coastal; choose free-draining, frost-sheltered spots in the Hills
- Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline (tolerates slightly acidic if sharply drained)
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Silver/cream contrast in gravel & Mediterranean borders
- Modern architectural accents with dark grasses or purple foliage
- Coastal mixed plantings with rosemary, lavenders and westringia
- Statement container plant for sunny courtyards and entrances
Why You Will Love It
Effortless year-round variegation plus a late winter burst of lime-cream bracts, all while thriving in Adelaide’s sun, lean soils and low-water conditions.