Crown of Thorns – Desert Horizon Nursery

Crown of Thorns

Euphorbia milii
Categories:
Cacti & Succulents  ·  
Other Succulents
Light
Full sun
Water
Low water once established; water thoroughly, then let soil dry between waterings. Container plants need closer monitoring during summer. Reduce watering sharply in cool weather.
Size
2-3 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide
Habit
Mounded – spreading shrub
Toxicity
Toxic — Pets & Humans
Description
A spiny, succulent shrub native to Madagascar, with green leaves and colorful flowerlike bracts. Best grown in a protected location or movable container in Phoenix because it is frost-sensitive.
Bloom Time
Spring through fall; near year-round in frost-free sites
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Drought Tolerant, Thorny / Spiny, Toxic (see detail)
Growth Rate
Slow to moderate
Growth Habit
Mounded – spreading shrub
Mature Size
2-3 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide
Flower Color
Red / pink / yellow / orange / or white (varies by cultivar)
Foliage Color
Green
Landscape Use
Cactus / Succulent Garden, Container / Patio
Garden Style
Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape
Soil
Amended / Rich, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Elephant food, Frost protection, Golden barrel cactus, Medicinal aloe
Toxic — Pets & Humans
Toxic to pets and humans if ingested; milky sap is a skin and eye irritant
Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; protect from intense western exposure and reflected summer heat.

Water: Low water once established; water thoroughly, then let soil dry between waterings. Container plants need closer monitoring during summer. Reduce watering sharply in cool weather.

Soil: Very well-drained, sandy or gritty soil; use cactus/succulent potting mix amended with pumice or perlite in containers.

Mature size: Typically 2–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide; larger varieties can reach 6 feet tall, while dwarf cultivars stay around 1–2 feet.

Bloom: Repeated bloom throughout warm weather; potentially year-round with sufficient light, warmth, and moderate watering.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in warm conditions; may drop leaves during drought, cold, or other stress.

Growth rate: Slow to moderate.