PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in dry, open conditions and tolerates poor soil quality
Watering
Drought-tolerant; water only when the top 5–7 cm of soil is completely dry to avoid root rot
Temperature
Extremely cold-hardy; tolerates hot, arid summer temperatures without supplemental moisture
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow, needle-like, blue-green foliage arranged in dense whorls along stems
- Flower: Tiny chartreuse bracts (false flowers) in terminal clusters; true flowers are inconspicuous
- Stem: Slender, upright green stems with milky sap when broken
Care Guide
Watering
Water sparingly during active growth; allow soil to dry fully between waterings
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed once every 6 weeks. Use only diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid disrupting compact growth habit
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly over soil surface to boost calcium levels and improve drainage without introducing excess nitrogenPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms promptly to prevent aggressive self-seeding and invasive spread
- Cut back foliage to ground level after flowering to encourage compact, dense regrowth
- Remove unwanted clumps in early spring to control spread in managed gardens
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; milky sap causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea
Humans: Milky sap causes skin redness, itching, and blistering on contact; mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental groundcover for dry, low-maintenance landscapes; caution as invasive in some North American regions
