Euphorbia characias Silver Swan - 3lt

The Euphorbia characias 'Silver Swan' is a striking evergreen perennial, highly valued for its architectural form and distinctive variegated foliage. This cultivar of Euphorbia characias is notable for its attractive, silver-grey leaves edged with a creamy white margin, creating a striking contrast that brightens any garden space. The leaves are long, narrow, and lance-shaped, arranged in dense whorls along sturdy, upright stems that can reach up to 90 cm (3 feet) in height.

In the spring, 'Silver Swan' produces large, showy clusters of greenish-yellow flowers, known as cyathia, at the top of the stems. These blooms are surrounded by contrasting white bracts, enhancing their visual appeal. The flowering period typically lasts from early spring to early summer, providing a long season of interest.

'Silver Swan' is an easy-to-grow plant, thriving in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens. However, it is essential to ensure good drainage, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. This Euphorbia is also relatively pest and disease-resistant, adding to its ease of cultivation.

One of the key attributes of 'Silver Swan' is its versatility in garden design. It can be used as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or as part of a Mediterranean or gravel garden scheme. Its bold foliage and structural form make it an excellent choice for adding texture and contrast to planting compositions.

Care should be taken when handling this plant, as the milky sap it exudes can be an irritant to the skin and eyes. Wearing gloves and protective clothing is advisable when pruning or propagating. Despite this, Euphorbia characias 'Silver Swan' remains a popular choice among gardeners for its striking appearance and reliable performance.