Crown of Thorns

Crown of thorns, Euphorbia milii var. splendens, is a slow-growing, thorny succulent shrub with fleshy stems and small leaves that may drop as stems age. The yellow flowers are framed by conspicuous red bracts, giving this Madagascar native color through much of the warm season. ## Landscape Use Grow it in a sunny conservatory, greenhouse, or patio container; in frost-free climates it can also serve as a drought-adapted shrub or specimen. The stems are sharply armed, so site it away from narrow paths and places where people or pets may brush against it. ## Growing Conditions Provide strong light and a freely draining loam or sandy mix. Water sparingly during active growth and keep the mix drier in winter. The RHS profile describes this variety as semi-prostrate to scrambling, mainly evergreen, and flowering mostly in spring and summer. Published size estimates vary: RHS gives 1–1.5 m tall and 0.5–1 m wide, while Wisconsin Horticulture reports 5–6 ft for the variety. ## Maintenance Prune lightly after flowering and use gloves and eye protection when handling cut stems; the milky sap can irritate skin and eyes and is harmful if eaten. [RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/7072/euphorbia-milii-var-splendens/details) and [Wisconsin Horticulture](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/crown-of-thorns-euphorbia-milii/) provide cultivar description and care details.