Euphorbia royleana

Plant Type: Euphorbia
Plant Height: 6-15 feet
Spread: 2-6 feet
Flower Color: greenish-yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Royle’s Spurge (Euphorbia royleana) – A Striking, Tree-Like Succulent for Phoenix Gardens

Euphorbia royleana, commonly known as Royle’s Spurge, is a visually impressive succulent native to the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and Pakistan. With its sculptural, tree-like growth habit, this succulent is perfect for adding dramatic height and architectural interest to desert landscapes and dry gardens.

Stunning Architectural Form

Royle’s Spurge can grow between 6 to 15 feet in height, making it one of the taller succulents suited for xeriscaping. The plant forms a thick, central stem with upright branches covered in spines, giving it a distinct, rugged look. The segmented stems create a sculptural, tree-like form that makes it an ideal focal point in rock gardens or as a standalone specimen.

Drought-Tolerant and Easy to Grow

Euphorbia royleana thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it well-suited for Phoenix’s sunny and hot climate. It prefers well-draining soil and is highly drought-tolerant, needing minimal water once established. This succulent is perfect for xeriscaping or low-water landscapes.

Key Features:

• Impressive tree-like structure adds height and architectural appeal to gardens.
• Thrives in full sun and drought conditions, making it ideal for Phoenix’s dry climate.
• Low-maintenance, perfect for busy homeowners or gardeners seeking low-water plants.
• Adaptable to various soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained.
• Milky sap produced when cut can be irritating, so handle with care.
• Can be used as a focal point in succulent gardens, rock gardens, or as a statement plant.

Care and Maintenance

Royle’s Spurge is a hardy, low-maintenance plant. It prefers bright sunlight and should be planted in well-draining soil to avoid root rot. Water sparingly, as this plant is highly adapted to dry conditions. Like other Euphorbia species, the plant produces a milky sap that can irritate the skin and eyes, so wear gloves when handling it.

A Dramatic, Tree-Like Addition to Your Phoenix Landscape

The architectural beauty of Royle’s Spurge makes it an excellent choice for desert gardens or succulent displays in the Phoenix Valley. Its height and sculptural form add a bold, dramatic touch to rock gardens, xeriscapes, and drought-tolerant landscapes. If you're looking for a low-maintenance, visually stunning plant to enhance your outdoor space, Euphorbia royleana is an exceptional option.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Euphorbia Royleana

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for their spreading growth and optimal air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Euphorbia Royleana is a spiny succulent that grows in a bushy form and does not require staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-2 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Euphorbia Royleana is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks