A thorny, succulent plant that's both salt- and drought-tolerant, crown-of-thorns (Euphorbia milii) is a valuable

addition to tropical gardens in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness zones 10 and warmer. Pink, white,
red and yellow varieties are available in heights from 1 to 5 feet, making crown-of-thorns useful as both a ground
cover and as a specimen plant for rockeries or xeriscape gardens. These perpetually blooming plants are easy to
grow if you choose the planting site carefully.
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Select a sunny, well-drained planting site for crown-of-thorns. This plant will tolerate a few hours of shade
during the hottest part of the day but does require sunshine for at least two-thirds of the day. Drainage must

be excellent or the plant will develop root-rot, a fatal fungal disease. If necessary, create a raised planting area to
improve drainage. Add soil amendments, such as compost or peat moss, if your soil is sandy or of poor quality.

Test the soil pH with a pH meter or test kit. A reading of 7.0 is neutral. Crown-of-thorns grows best in neutral
or acidic soil, below 7.0, although slightly alkaline soil, slightly above 7.0, is acceptable. If necessary, lower

the soil pH by adding agricultural sulphur to the planting area. Follow package directions carefully so you apply the
right amount, which varies depending on the product you are using.
Dig a hole for each plant as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Space plants 2 feet apart to ensure proper
air circulation. Check the label of miniature or very large varieties for the proper spacing, which may be
different.

Carefully remove the plant from its container and inspect the roots. Prune away any broken, shriveled or
mushy roots, then gently loosen the soil around the outside of the root ball with your fingers.

Set the crown-of-thorns plant into the planting hole so the crown of the plant sits at the same level as it was in
the container. Backfill around the roots with soil, pressing firmly with your hands to remove air pockets.
Water around the base of the plant to settle the soil; keep water off the foliage.

Water newly planted crown-of-thorns plants often enough to keep the soil slightly moist. You'll know the
plant has established itself when it puts out new growth. At that point, water E. milii only when the top 1 inch

of soil is dry.
Use an inorganic mulch, if desired, such as gravel or stones. Don't use organic mulches, such as bark chips or
grass clippings, because they trap moisture around the plant and encourage fungal diseases. Keep mulch 1 to
2 inches away from the crown of the plant.

Things You Will Need

Organic soil amendment (optional)
pH meter or test kit
Sulphur (optional)
Shovel
Pruners
Inorganic mulch (optional)
Fertilizer

Warnings

Like other members of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), crown-of-thorns produces an irritating, milky sap that
can irritate your skin. Wear gloves when handling the plant and wash your hands thoroughly to remove any stray
drops of sap.
Crown-of-thorns is poisonous if eaten, causing nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Use this plant with caution in
gardens accessible to animals and small children.