Euphorbia obesa
gingham golf ball
A cactus-like succulent to 15cm, with a squat globose or pear-shaped, grey-green stem with 5 ribs, with a pattern of dull reddish bands, and terminal clusters of small yellow flowers in summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- IRRITANT to skin/eye, harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Euphorbia can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or succulents, with milky sap and small flowers held within cupped, often colourful bracts
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a mixture of three parts loam to one part grit, in full light. Water moderately when in growth and apply a dilute low nitrogen fertilizer monthly. Keep dry in winter. Ventilate well. See Euphorbia for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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