Silver Swan Spurge (Euphorbia characias 'Silver Swan') | Variegated Evergreen Perennial

Silver Swan Spurge

1 Gallon

$24.00

1/2

Silver Swan Spurge

Euphorbia characias ‘'Silver Swan'

A compact, variegated spurge with silver-gray foliage edged in white and long-lasting chartreuse-yellow spring bracts.

$24.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Euphorbia characias 'Silver Swan' is a stunning, variegated evergreen perennial prized for its striking silver-gray foliage tipped with creamy-white margins. This compact, upright shrublet forms a tidy mound of slender, lance-shaped leaves edged in white with a silvery-green center. From late winter through spring, it produces large, domed clusters of showy, chartreuse-yellow flower bracts with a distinct red eye, which surround tiny, inconspicuous true flowers. The long-lasting blooms create a soft, airy display that attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance, it is an outstanding choice for sunny borders, rock gardens, Mediterranean landscapes, and containers.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Slender, lance-shaped, gray-green leaves with creamy-white to pale yellow margins; domed clusters of chartreuse-yellow flower bracts with red eyes, blooming from late winter through spring
Mature Height: 1-2 ft
Mature Spread: 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m)
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 7-10; Sunset 4-24
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade (best variegation in sun)
Core Benefits: Striking variegated silver-white foliage, long-lasting spring flower bracts, drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant, attracts butterflies, low maintenance
Best Uses: Sunny borders, rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens, coastal gardens, containers, front of borders, mass plantings

Q: How large does Silver Swan Spurge get?
A: It is a compact perennial, typically reaching 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 m) in both height and spread at maturity, making it ideal for small borders, rock gardens, and containers.

Q: How much sun does it need for the best variegation?
A: For the most vibrant creamy-white leaf margins, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). In partial shade, the variegation may be less pronounced, and the foliage may appear greener.

Q: How long does it bloom?
A: The showy chartreuse-yellow flower bracts appear in late winter to spring and persist for many weeks (often 6-8 weeks or more), providing a long season of interest.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant. Water regularly during its first year to establish a deep root system. After that, it requires little to no supplemental water. Overwatering should be avoided.

Q: Is the sap really dangerous?
A: Yes, the milky white sap is a skin and eye irritant and is toxic if ingested. Always wear gloves when handling, pruning, or cutting stems. Avoid contact with eyes and keep away from children and pets. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

Q: Should I prune it after flowering?
A: Yes, after the flower bracts have faded, cut the flowering stems back to the base of the plant. This helps maintain a tidy appearance and encourages fresh new foliage growth. Avoid pruning into old, woody stems, as they may not resprout.

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, the toxic, milky sap makes this plant highly resistant to deer and rabbits, making it an excellent choice for gardens where browsing animals are a concern.

Q: Can it be grown in a container?
A: Yes, its compact size and striking foliage make it an excellent container specimen. Use a pot with good drainage and a well-draining potting mix. Container plants will need more frequent watering than those in the ground but still require the soil to dry out between waterings.