Jerry's Choice

Plant Type: perennial, succulent shrub
Plant Height: 2–3 feet
Spread: 2–3 feet
Flower Color: bright coral-red
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Jerry’s Choice / Euphorbia milii ‘Jerry’s Choice’: A Brilliant, Ever-Blooming Crown of Thorns for Desert Gardens
Euphorbia milii ‘Jerry’s Choice’, also known as Jerry’s Choice Crown of Thorns, is a vibrant, compact succulent shrub prized for its near-constant display of rich coral-red blooms. This colorful variety of Euphorbia milii has become a favorite in Arizona for its combination of toughness, brilliant color, and low water needs. With its dense branching, bright bracts, and ability to bloom nearly year-round in full sun, Jerry’s Choice adds a cheerful, tropical flair to desert landscapes while maintaining excellent drought tolerance and structure.

Key Features of Euphorbia milii ‘Jerry’s Choice’
Jerry’s Choice forms a compact, rounded shrub composed of thick, thorn-covered stems and glossy green leaves. The true flowers are tiny, surrounded by bold, coral-red bracts that appear in abundance throughout the year—especially from spring through fall. Under full sun, the red tones deepen, providing stunning color contrast against gravel, rock, and architectural elements. It’s known for its prolific blooming and slightly softer leaf texture compared to other Crown of Thorns varieties. The plant’s rugged stems and minimal water needs make it a top performer in Arizona’s desert climate.

Growing and Care Tips
Euphorbia milii ‘Jerry’s Choice’ thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, particularly in areas with extreme afternoon heat. In the Phoenix Valley, a location with morning to midday sunlight and slight afternoon protection often produces the healthiest growth and most consistent blooms. It prefers well-drained, sandy or gritty soil, and overwatering should be strictly avoided. Once established, it can withstand long dry periods without losing vigor. Fertilizing lightly once in spring with a balanced succulent fertilizer encourages blooming. It is frost-sensitive and should be protected when temperatures dip below 40°F. Always handle with care—the sharp thorns and milky sap can irritate skin and eyes.

Landscaping Uses
Jerry’s Choice is ideal for adding consistent color and texture to arid landscapes, courtyard gardens, or patio planters. It shines as an accent in raised beds, decorative pots, or mixed succulent gardens, offering year-round visual appeal. Its coral-red blooms pair beautifully with plants that have cooler tones—such as Blue Elf Aloe, Silver Torch Cactus, or Agave desmetiana. The plant’s compact form also makes it perfect for smaller landscape spaces where maintenance simplicity and high-impact color are desired.

Summary
Euphorbia milii ‘Jerry’s Choice’ delivers the perfect combination of durability and beauty for Arizona gardens. Its constant coral-red bloom, low water requirements, and compact, thorny structure make it a resilient showpiece that thrives in both containers and in-ground plantings. For those seeking long-lasting color in a water-wise landscape, Jerry’s Choice is truly one of the best Crown of Thorns varieties available.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):
Euphorbia milii ‘Jerry’s Choice’ Planting Guide:
Location: Full sun to partial shade; ideal placement offers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon protection in extreme heat.
Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix blended with sand or pumice for aeration. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain moisture.
Spacing: Space plants 2–3 feet apart to allow airflow and mature growth spread.
Planting Depth: Set the root crown level with the soil surface; do not bury the lower stems.
Support: Not required; the upright, woody stems naturally maintain shape and structure.

Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting: Water deeply after installation to settle the soil, then allow it to dry completely before watering again. During the first 2–3 months, water every 10–14 days depending on temperature and drainage.
When is the Plant Established? Euphorbia milii ‘Jerry’s Choice’ is considered established after approximately 6 months, when new leaves and consistent blooms appear.
Watering Once Established: Once rooted, water sparingly—every 3–4 weeks during summer if no rain occurs, and rarely during cooler months.
Drip Irrigation Setup: Use one low-flow emitter (0.5–1 gallon per hour) about 6–8 inches from the plant’s base, positioned slightly outward from the center. Allow soil to fully dry between cycles.
General Watering Tips: Always verify that the top few inches of soil are dry before watering. Overwatering can cause root rot and reduce flowering. Use decorative gravel or decomposed granite mulch to suppress weeds and retain light surface moisture, keeping it several inches from the base for proper airflow and plant health.