Re: Euphorbia characias, Portuguese Velvet

This is a wonderful plant. Neat, about 21/2ft high in Northamptonshire UK (USDA zone 8) and a little more across, its special feature is the fine covering of short silvery hairs on the leaves creating a delightful silver rim to each short blue leaf. I've had no problem with it losing leaves when planted out. At least one very respectable British nursery has raised this variety from seed for sale and it seems to come true, even with other euphorbias around - though I'd always prefer cuttings, just in case.

'Portuguese Velvet' was introduced by the British plant photographer John Fielding, having been found by a friend of his in the wild in Portugal.

Graham Rice
Northamptonshire, UK


I have Euph. characias PORTUGUESE VELVET and it does seem more compact than Wulfenii. The leaves have a dull slub texture that is velvetty and the flowers have brown 'eyes' like characias and unlike the greeny yellow of Wulfenii. I've not planted it out yet so cannot comment more. Mismanaged in a big pot it seems to lose more leaves than I am comfortable with, but I feel positive it would retain more leaves when I plant it in the gound.

Anyone had experience with seedlings from this CV?

regards

trevor n

Trevor Nottle
Garden Historian, Garden Writer, Designer, Consultant
WALNUT HILL, 5 Walker Street, Crafers, SA 5152 AUSTRALIA
Tel./ Fax. 61 8 83394210



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