Crown of thorn

Crown of Thorn aka Euphorbia Milii aka Christ Plant 

A succulent deciduous, perennial shrub with bright green leaves and bright-colored flowers.  Colored bracts in red, yellow, and orangeish.  Grows in a loose form way with spiny thorns.  Grow in an irregularly shaped way.  They can reach 5 to 6 feet tall in their native environment.  In the US they typically reach to 3 feet tall outdoors and 2 feet indoors.  Likes a full sun location with some shade in the afternoon.  Likes dry to moist well-draining soil.  Great for the Xeriscape landscape and rock gardens.  Likes a mid-day shade so a part shade area in the hot afternoon works well.  It is recommended that when pruning you wear gloves as it can cause skin and eye irritation.  When using indoors keep out of the draft of your AC/Heat vents.  Bright light, dry soil, and low humidity are preferred by this beauty.  Cold hardy 9B.  Said to have a great drought tolerance and to water as needed.  Not tolerant of frost and freeze - cover during our brief cold snaps in the ground or bring indoors if in a container.  Yes, it is salt spray tolerant so a great coastal plant.  Said to tolerate chlorine spray.  Grows in poor soil, including rocky-sandy soil.  Said to be deer-resistant.  Fertilize during the blooming/growing season with a good granular slow-release (10-10-10) fertilizer.  Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. 

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The FARM and Big League Garden Center is located at 1625 Airport Rd., Ormond Beach, FL  32174.  Just west of the I95 overpass and east of Tymber Creek Rd.  Hours are 10am to 4pm - Tuesday to Saturday.