Euphorbia enopla-the little Euphorbia that could..

[Stan]

What was once an obscure succulent is showing up at even the box stores. This turquoise beauty with red spines looks tender but has held up - uncovered- to two near freezing winters here in the eastbay. Might have actually taken 32F one night...yet,no damage whatsoever.
Its is very,very, sensitive to being kept too wet in a pot,but in ground,handles all our winter rains fine. Planting in a raised area is also a good idea. Mine,this time last year was blooming,but the many El Nino gray days have delayed that this year. It's not a substantial sized plant.Doesn't have the chunkiness of many cactid Euphorbia's,but is a tough plant for sunny warm spots. A the prices the box stores charge a multiple planting makes a nice eye catching display. Try one.

[Quinton]

Hi Stan,

E.enopla is indeed a wonderful specie , its from South Africa. Strangely here in Johannesburg I have no problems with rotting in containers but we only have summer rainfall.


Regards
Quintom

[Stan]

Quenton,when I bought mine in summer two years ago,I at first placed them in their pots to the side in part shade in the backyard. It wasnt 48 hours before arms started to shrivel....and we were having nice weather mid to upper 70s? (24-26C). So,I quickly planted them in full sun out front. Shriveling came to a complete stop. It's that they were in the growers peaty mix that couldnt have helped out of a greenhouse.
They do have sort of a comical ability to impale autumn leafs. Makes that small plant look ferocious.