Silver Swan Spurge

Silver Swan Spurge

1 Gallon
$24.00
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Silver Swan Spurge
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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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Description

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.

Quick Facts

  • 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

Faqs

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.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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