Lion's Spore (Euphorbia)

Lion's spore is a little known South African succulent grows to form huge mounds of evergreen stems that look like a thornless cactus. A high elevation species, it is cold hardy and blooms with small bright yellow flowers in late spring. Drought resistant/drought tolerant plant (xeric).
Zones6 - 10
Advantages
checkmark
Attract Birds
hcg-deer-resistant-icon
Deer Resistant
checkmark
Groundcover
hcg-evergreen-icon
Evergreen
checkmark
Low Maintenance
containers
Good For Containers
checkmark
Good Rockgarden Or Alpine Plant
hcg-rabbit-resistant-icon
Rabbit Resistant
checkmark
Squirrel Resistant
Light Requirements
full-sun
Full Sun
Water Tolerance
Low-Water
Mature Height 2-4" tall
Mature Spread15-30" wide
Bloom TimeMid to late spring
Shipping DetailsNo longer available this season. Learn More…
Item Package SizePlant - 2.5" Pot
SKUHC014572

USDA Hardiness Planting Zones

To determine if a plant is sufficiently cold hardy, the USDA created numbered zones indicating winter low temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter.

  • If the coldest winter temperature expected in your area is -15°F (zone 5) then any plants rated zones 3-5 will survive the winter temperatures in your area.
  • If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. The lack of freezing winter temperatures do not provide a time for winter dormancy (rest).

Find Your Planting Zone:

Product is Out of Stock
Out of stock
SKU
HC014572

Video

 
Offers

Shop Exclusive Deals

Details
2-4" tall x 15-30" wide. Lion's Spore is a little-known plant that is a fantastic, cold hardy succulent from the high elevations of the Drakensberg Mountains in Lesotho and South Africa. The small, 1/2" diameter, spineless stems grow to form large, tight mounds. I was thrilled to first see this species up around 9,000 ft. on the mountain flanks surrounding Tiffindell, South Africa. Here, old, mature specimens form huge mounds more than 3' in diameter! Plant in a well-drained soil, preferably on the south or west facing slope of a berm or hillside to facilitate good drainage. Does not like to sit under snow for extended periods of time; cover with plastic or row crop cover (frost blanket) in snowy winter climates. Our Lion's Spore is propagated from stem cuttings. Good for Firescaping
More Information
SKUHC014572
Item Package Size
Plant - 2.5" Pot
Common Name
Lion's Spore
Botanical Name
Euphorbia clavarioides v. trincata
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Flower Color
Yellow
Mature Height
2-4" tall
Mature Spread
15-30" wide
Bloom Time
Mid to late spring
Ships As
Potted Plant
Soil Type
Average Soil, Sandy Soil
Soil Moisture
Waterwise
Advantages
Attract Birds, Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Evergreen, Low Maintenance, Good For Containers, Good Rockgarden Or Alpine Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Squirrel Resistant
Ideal Region
Anywhere In The US, West, Southwest, Hot Desert, Pacific Northwest
Planting Time
Spring / Summer, Fall
Ships To Canada
No
Planting Guides

Tips For Growing Euphorbia (Spurge)

Euphorbia (Spurge) is a huge genus of annual, perennial and succulent species that can be found worldwide. All Spurge have milky sap that can be very irritating to eyes, nose and mouth tissue. Some species have poisonous sap.  Handle with care. Rabbit and deer proof.
Preferred growing conditions:

  • Plant in a fast draining, infertile soil with full sun. Avoid clay soils. Mulch with gravel or not at all.
  • Water regularly the first growing season to establish the plant. Thereafter, infrequent but deep watering is all this plant needs.
  • Deadheading recommended to prevent re-seeding, as some species can spread aggressively. Use gloves to protect hands from irritating sap.
  • Fertilize lightly in the fall with Yum Yum Mix.

Special comments

  • Succulent species have evergreen stems. Prune to shape in the spring if needed.
  • Cut back herbaceous species in late fall.

View more Planting Guides, or download our complete Planting Guide for tips on caring for your plants when you receive your order, as well as planting instructions for Perennials, Spring-Planted Bulbs, Fall-Planted Bulbs, Cacti & Succulents, Xeric Plants and more.
Shipping

No longer available this season.

As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat.  The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and spring-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.

Perennials and spring-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your hardiness zone. Perennial and spring-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service toll-free at (800) 925-9387 or contact us by email.

Shipping Rates

Our shipping rates are calculated based on our actual average shipping costs. We do not seek to profit from shipping fees, so rest assured that our shipping rates reflect an average of what it costs to get our guaranteed products safely to your door.

US Shipping Charges

Merchandise Total Shipping
Charges
Up to $19.99$8.99
$20 to $34.99$10.99
$35 to $49.99$12.99
$50 to $74.99$14.99
$75 to $99.99$16.99
$100 and Over$18.99

Canadian Shipping Charges

Merchandise Shipping
Charges
Up to $24.99$14.95
$25 to $49.99$19.95
$50 to $74.99$24.95
$75 to $99.99$29.95
$100 and Over$39.95

We charge one low flat rate for shipping our products even if your order requires multiple shipments. If you have any questions, please call us at (800) 925-9387.

Reviews