The Ever-Blooming Crown of Thorns That Never Stops Flowering

Jerry's Choice (Euphorbia milii 'Jerry's Choice') is one of the most prolific flowering succulents you can grow in the Phoenix Valley. This compact Crown of Thorns variety produces brilliant coral-red blooms virtually year-round — even through the hottest Phoenix summers. Low-water, low-maintenance, and loaded with color from day one, Jerry's Choice is the perfect pick for Scottsdale homeowners, Chandler patio gardens, Mesa courtyard planters, and Gilbert landscape beds that need constant color without constant care.

Jerry's Choice Plant Details

Jerry's Choice Uses in Phoenix Landscapes

Color-Packed Container Plant

Jerry's Choice is a standout container plant for patios, courtyards, and pool decks throughout Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. Its compact 2–3 foot size fits perfectly in decorative pots, and the non-stop coral-red blooms mean you never have to swap seasonal annuals. Place a trio of containers at an entryway for a welcoming pop of color that lasts all year.

Low-Water Flowering Border

Line a walkway, garden bed edge, or driveway border with Jerry's Choice for a drought-tolerant flowering hedge that blooms 365 days a year. Space plants 2–3 feet apart for a dense, colorful border. Pair with Yellow Bells or Ruellia for a multi-color, low-water flowering display in Mesa, Gilbert, or Tempe landscapes.

Xeriscape Accent Plant

In gravel-mulched xeriscape designs, Jerry's Choice provides reliable pops of warm coral-red among the greens, silvers, and blues of desert plants. Cluster 3–5 plants in a grouping near boulders or alongside Texas Sage, Desert Spoon, or Agave for a textural contrast that blooms when everything else is resting.

Best Time to Plant Jerry's Choice in Phoenix

Fall (October–November) is ideal: the soil stays warm for root development while cooler air reduces transplant stress. Your Jerry's Choice gets 6–8 months of establishment before its first intense Phoenix summer. Spring (February–April) is the second-best window. Avoid summer planting if possible — Crown of Thorns transplants best when temperatures are moderate.

How to Plant Jerry's Choice

1. Dig wide, not deep — excavate 2–3× the root ball width at the same depth as the container.
2. Check for caliche — break through any hardpan layer so water drains freely. Crown of Thorns cannot tolerate soggy roots.
3. Backfill with native soil — a light 20% pumice or perlite mix improves drainage in heavy clay.
4. Spacing — 2–3 ft apart for a flowering border; 3–4 ft for individual accent plantings.
5. Water basin — build a 3–4 inch berm ring to direct water to the root zone during establishment.
6. Mulch — 2–3 inches of gravel mulch around the base (not bark — keep the crown dry).

Watering Jerry's Choice in Phoenix

First Year Watering Schedule

• Weeks 1–2: Every 2–3 days, deep and slow (15–20 min drip)
• Month 1–3: Every 4–5 days
• Month 3–6: Every 7–10 days (every 5–7 days in peak summer)
• After Year 1: Every 10–14 days in summer; every 3–4 weeks in winter

Drip Irrigation

Place one 1-GPH emitter 6–12 inches from the trunk. Once established, Jerry's Choice needs very little supplemental water — it stores moisture in its thick stems and blooms even under dry conditions. Overwatering causes root rot, so always let the soil dry between waterings.

How often does Jerry's Choice bloom in Phoenix?
Nearly year-round. In Phoenix's warm climate, Jerry's Choice produces coral-red flowers continuously from spring through fall and often through winter as well. Cold snaps may temporarily slow blooming, but it bounces back quickly.

Is Jerry's Choice drought tolerant once established?
Very much so. Like all Crown of Thorns varieties, Jerry's Choice stores water in its thick succulent stems and handles extended dry periods with ease. It's one of the most drought-tolerant flowering plants available for Phoenix landscapes.

Does Jerry's Choice have thorns?
Yes — as a Crown of Thorns variety, the stems have sharp thorns. Plant it away from high-traffic walkways and play areas. The thorns also make it an excellent deterrent plant beneath windows for added home security.

Can Jerry's Choice handle full Phoenix sun?
Absolutely. It thrives in full sun including reflected heat from walls, concrete, and pavement. It also performs well in partial shade, making it versatile for east-facing patios or under the canopy of desert trees.

You May Also Like

• Crown of Thorns (Red) — the classic red-flowering Euphorbia milii for a bolder, deeper red bloom.
• Cherokee Crown of Thorns — a unique variety with distinctive flower form and reliable year-round color.
• Crown of Thorns (Orange/Red) — warm sunset-toned blooms that pair beautifully with Jerry's coral-red.
• Chocolate Drops — a striking dark-leaved Crown of Thorns variety for dramatic contrast.
• Pink Jade Plant — another compact, colorful succulent for pots and borders.