Euphorbia susannae

Common Names

Suzanne's Spurge

Summary

Suzanne's Spurge is a small South African succulent from the Cape Province that forms dense hemispherical clumps up to 10 cm tall and 30 cm wide. Stems are green to brownish-green, heavily ribbed with 12–16 ribs and conical tubercles; cyathia sit atop short stalks between tubercles, with a cup-like five-lobed structure containing tiny flowers and purple-red seed capsules. A milky latex sap is toxic, and plants can be cryptic underground or arise as cushions with only the tips exposed.

In cultivation it prefers bright light with protection from blasting heat, and requires well-drained soil such as a cactus/succulent mix with drainage holes; water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, and stop watering in winter. Hardy to USDA zones 9b–11b and tolerant of temperatures down to about -4°C with dry roots; propagation is mainly by cuttings or seeds, with cuttings root readily; commonly used in rock gardens, xeriscapes, containers, and indoor decor.

Height

3-4 inches

Spread

9-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Very well-drained sandy, stony soil; a cactus/succulent mix with 20–50% coarse sand, pumice, or perlite, often with white quartz on the surface.

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil

Soil pH

Tolerates most soil pH levels

Bloom Color

Green, Green or brownish, Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring and Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Relatively fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings