TALAVERA MEETS A FIRESTICK
08 Mar 2010 5 Comments
in euphorbia, Garden Design Tags: Container garden design, Euphorbia tirucalii, Firestick Euphorbia, Landscape Design with succulents, nadia's san diego garden blog, Talavera Ceramics
I planted this dynamic looking Euphorbia tirucalli, common name “Firestick” in a Talavera ceramic pot matching the orange and green colors of the succulent with the colors painted onto the ceramics. Talavera pottery is made in Mexico exclusively in the State of Puebla with the same techniques used in the 16th century.
Firestick
Euphorbia tirucalli is a native to South Africa and grows well in drained soil with no frost exposure. In San Diego it is the most colorful in winter months with tips of bright orange-red and a green-yellow base. I call this Euphorbia a “show stopper” because it stands out among my other plants with absolute beauty in color and form. A great container plant, but also grows well on hillsides for landscaping with a growth potential of 30 feet tall and 6 feet wide.
*NOTE * The firestick sap is hazardous and the sap can burn skin and eyes. Use protective gloves and clothing, especially eyewear when handling this euphorbia. I have gotten it on my forearms and it burns quite aggressively and is painful.
Firestick in the landscape
Firestick in the landscape
The E. tirucalli is a fast grower, drought tolerant, grows well near the coast and loves full sun. I designed this meditation garden (photo below) with a Firestick which is kept pruned back to maintain the small size. The growth and pruning diversity with this Euphorbia allows for more creativity with landscaping design.
The new growth tips are where the color bursts are most prominent. Other common names for this plant are: Milk bush, Pencil bush, Pencil tree and Firestick.
* My Chihuahuas and Euphorbia tirucalli *
* Note: The Euphorbia plant contains a milky sap that can burn skin and eyes, wear protective gear when trimming or working with this plant.
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Mar 08, 2010 @ 08:43:29
When Nadia designed my backyard she put some on these in… I LOVE they way the make me think of under the ocean. Sometimes I think I can see fish swimming in them!
Mar 08, 2010 @ 08:56:57
Such an interesting plant. I love it in the colorful container. It is grown all over the place in our area. I must remember to pick some up next time I go to the nursery!
Mar 08, 2010 @ 15:24:23
Muy Bueno!!!
Mar 09, 2010 @ 04:56:07
There is nothing a true gardener would like more than to feel confident that they have the right set of garden tools to work their magic in the soil.
Mar 17, 2010 @ 12:46:16
Strange looking, but beautiful… It looks like part of a coral reef! I like the arangement