Euphorbia characias ‘Tasmanian Tiger’

Description

Euphorbia characias ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ is an eye-catching evergreen perennial loved for its striking variegated foliage and long-lasting yellow-green bracts. Upright, architectural and beautifully textured, Euphorbia brings year-round interest to borders, gravel gardens, and patio containers. Follow this comprehensive planting guide to help your ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ thrive and maintain its bold visual appeal.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Euphorbia is in spring, allowing strong root establishment before the main growing season begins.
• Autumn: Planting in early autumn is also suitable, giving the roots time to settle before new growth emerges the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Choose a site in full sun or partial shade. Euphorbia characias ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ performs at its best when it receives plenty of light to enhance its leaf variegation.
• Soil: Ensure free-draining soil, as Euphorbia does not tolerate waterlogging. Improving drainage with grit or organic matter will support healthier growth and prevent root issues.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the rootball and the same depth, giving your Euphorbia enough room for its roots to spread.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or grit into the planting area to boost drainage and fertility.
3. Planting: Set the plant in the hole so the top of the rootball is level with the soil surface. Backfill gently, removing air pockets as you firm the soil around the roots.
4. Watering: Water well after planting to settle the soil, ensuring that excess water can drain away freely.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between sessions. Euphorbia is naturally drought-tolerant once established, so avoid excessive watering.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly. Only water if the soil becomes particularly dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to support strong new growth for Euphorbia characias ‘Tasmanian Tiger’.
• Mid-Summer: A light feed in mid-summer keeps the plant vigorous and promotes tidy growth.

Pruning

• After Flowering: Remove spent flower stems by cutting them down to the base. This helps your Euphorbia maintain its shape and encourages fresh new stems.
• General Tidying: Trim any damaged or untidy foliage to keep the plant neat and compact.

Important: Wear gloves when handling euphorbias, as their sap can be irritating.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a light mulch of compost or bark around the base to support soil moisture retention and suppress weeds.
• Winter: A thin top-up layer can help protect the root zone and maintain soil structure.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Euphorbia typically has sturdy stems and rarely needs staking. In particularly exposed areas, light support may help prevent leaning.

Final Tips

Euphorbia characias ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ is a low-maintenance, highly ornamental perennial that delivers year-round colour and structure. Plant Euphorbia characias ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ in a sunny, free-draining position and follow this care guide for a vibrant, architectural focal point in your garden. With its bold variegation and long-lasting bracts, Euphorbia will enhance borders, containers, and gravel plantings with ease.

 

RHS Details

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