Mottled spurge (Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost')
Euphorbia lactea 'White Ghost', or Mottled spurge, is a striking succulent shrub featuring near-white, candelabra-shaped stems. Ideal for dry, sunny locations in Zones 10-11.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’, commonly known as Mottled spurge, offers unique, stark architectural beauty to the landscape or indoor collection. This cultivar is highly prized because its sharp-spined, candelabra-formed stems are almost totally white, lacking the normal green chlorophyll tissues. As a succulent shrub, it provides dramatic vertical interest, capable of reaching considerable height outdoors or remaining an easily managed houseplant indoors.
Mottled spurge thrives in conditions mimicking its dry, warm native environments, demanding excellent drainage above all else. Its upright, cactus-like structure makes Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’ a compelling focal point or vertical accent wherever hardy. Gardeners must respect its inherent toxicity, particularly the irritant white sap, but the aesthetic payoff is significant for those providing the correct sharp-drained soil culture.
This deciduous shrub provides year-round structure, only seasonally displaying tiny, subtle flowers tinged yellow when blooming occurs. Whether utilized as a specimen in warm gardens or as a stunning container plant, the Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’ delivers maximum impact with relatively efficient care once established in its preferred bright light and dry environment.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 5-15 ft
- Spread: 5-10 ft
- Bloom Time: Rarely flowers
- Bloom Description: Yellow tinged
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
When planting Mottled spurge outdoors in Zones 10-11, ensure the location provides full sun to partial afternoon shade. The most critical cultural requirement is sharply-drained soil; standard garden soil amended drastically with grit, coarse sand, or pumice is necessary to prevent root rot, which this plant tolerates poorly. Plant during warmer periods to encourage establishment.
Watering requires a balanced approach: water consistently through the primary growing season (summer) as needed to prevent the soil from becoming completely desiccated, but ensure the medium dries out thoroughly between waterings. Decrease water frequency significantly as temperatures cool in winter, as these plants are intolerant of frost and susceptible to overwatering during dormancy.
As a container plant, the Mottled spurge can function excellently as a houseplant, where conditions should mimic outdoor care: bright light and infrequent watering during winter months while decreasing overall moisture. Keep soil consistently drier than you would for typical houseplants to mimic the needs of this succulent shrub.
Landscape Uses
In regions where it is winter hardy, Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’ excels when used as a bold specimen plant to anchor views or provide essential vertical structure. Its stark white coloration contrasts beautifully against dark green foliage plants or deep-colored mulches, making it an excellent choice for contemporary or xeriscape garden designs.
The candelabra habit of the stems also lends itself well to use as an informal hedge or screen, offering excellent year-round visual appeal. For gardeners outside of Zones 10-11, containerization is key; the Mottled spurge makes a spectacular, movable focal point on sunny patios that can be brought indoors to overwinter.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Euphorbia lactea, commonly called Mottled spurge, is noted for its shrubby habit, usually leafless, cactus-like appearance distinguished by usually 4-angled stems tipped with paired black thorns. The ‘White Ghost’ cultivar is nearly entirely white, lacking chlorophyll, offering a stark, beautiful contrast. Be aware that all parts of this plant exude a white, milky sap (latex) that is poisonous and a significant irritant to skin and eyes.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Gardeners should watch for common succulent pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and mites, which can settle on the stems, particularly in joints or growth tips. Nematodes can also sometimes affect the root system if soil drainage is inadequate.
The primary safety concern is the white, milky sap. Always handle the Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’ with protective gloves, especially when pruning or repotting, to avoid contact with eyes, skin, or mucous membranes. If sap excretes from a cut, allow it to dry; never ingest any part of the plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Mottled spurge suitable for?
Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’ is winter hardy only in USDA Zones 10 through 11. In colder regions, it must be grown in containers and overwintered indoors.
How large does Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’ grow?
Outdoors in optimal zones, the Mottled spurge can reach heights between 5 and 15 feet, spreading 5 to 10 feet wide. In containers, it remains significantly smaller.
What sun exposure does Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’ need?
This striking euphorbia prefers full sun but will also tolerate part shade, especially in the hottest summer afternoons. Ensure it receives ample bright light to maintain its ghostly white coloring.
When does Mottled spurge bloom?
This plant rarely flowers; when it does bloom in cultivation, the flowers are inconspicuous and typically tinged yellow near the stem tips.
Conclusion
The architectural form and ghostly white coloration make the Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’ an unforgettable addition to sunny landscapes or bright indoor spaces. Providing it with the sharply drained soil and protection from frost that Mottled spurge requires ensures its long-term health and dramatic visual appeal. Before planting this unique succulent, confirm you are located within USDA Zones 10 or 11, or plan for winter container care.
Companion Planting
When designing a foundation planting around Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’, consider companions that share the need for low water and brilliant sun exposure. Desert-adapted agaves, aloes, and slower-growing cacti create textural contrast against the smooth, columnar stems of the Mottled spurge. Grouping them in a well-drained rock garden enhances the environmental mimicry.
For container groupings, select drought-tolerant, non-aggressive companions that contrast in color or form. Blue-toned succulents like certain Blue Chalksticks (Senecio) or low-growing Sedums offer a pleasing cool color offset to the pale stems of the Mottled spurge. Remember to use separate, well-draining potting mixes for all drought-tolerant companions.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Summer is the active growth period for your Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’, and this is when watering should be consistent—though never allowing the soil to remain soggy. Increase observation for pests like mealybugs during warm, dry spells, checking the angles where the stems meet. Light feeding with a diluted, balanced fertilizer formulated for succulents can be performed once or twice during mid-summer.
As autumn approaches and temperatures begin to dip, start significantly decreasing water intake. Protect plants from any possibility of frost, as these plants are intolerant of freezing temperatures. If overwintering indoors, move the container to its bright winter location and reduce watering to only once per month or less, allowing the soil to remain very dry until spring warmth returns.
