Euphorbia milii ‘Dwarf Yellow’

crown of thorns
Crown of thorns. Green leaves and crimson flowers atop branching thorny stems. Yellow flowered, small form.
height 8–18in
width 8–18in
tolerates Drought, Salt
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 Euphorbias milii are very drought tolerant but will grow faster if they receive some summer water, usually every couple weeks to a month once established (let the plant dry out between waterings). If you aren’t getting summer growth you may be underwatering. These plants prefer a dry winter; outdoors in central California, they will need little supplemental winter water once established.

If your crown of thorns defoliates that does not mean it’s dead. This happens when frost rolls through, or also when water is withheld too long. If it’s during summer you are probably underwatering.
hardy
to		 32F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix
origin Madagascar
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 13, 17, 21–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

When watered correctly, and placed in a warm spot, euphorbia milii is nearly everblooming.
What seem to be flower petals are actually colorful bracts that hold tiny flowers.
Take care when pruning, as euphorbias have toxic sap that can cause a skin rash or damage to the eyes (make sure to rinse repeatedly with water if sap gets on your skin or in your eyes).

Special Interest

In Madagascar, where this plant is from, they build high rock walls with a hollow pocket in the top, where they plant Euphorbia milii as barbed wire!

This euphorbia also makes a good houseplant and transitions easily to a warm sunny room.