Introduction
Maidenbush is a small-leaved, compact, native shrub with some resemblance to cocoplum. This 6 to 10 foot tall euphorbia has pretty, oval green leaves that are folded toward each other along the long stems. When the new growth of this plant emerges, it is a bright red color. The fruits and flowers of the maidenbush are not the “stars of the show” but are small and inconspicuous; the foliage is the real attraction. This shrub makes a great specimen plant and is suitable for coastal landscapes.
Credit: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS
Credit: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS
General Information
Scientific name: Savia bahamensis
Pronunciation: SAY-vee-uh bah-hah-MEN-sis
Common name(s): maidenbush, Bahama maidenbush
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Plant type: shrub
USDA hardiness zones: 10B through 11 (Figure 3)
Planting month for zone 10 and 11: year-round
Origin: native to Florida
Invasive potential: not known to be invasive
Uses: hedge; specimen; screen
Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant
Credit:
Description
Height: 6 to 10 feet
Spread: 6 to 10 feet
Plant habit: round
Plant density: moderate
Growth rate: slow
Texture: medium
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: alternate
Leaf type: simple
Leaf margin: entire
Leaf shape: spatulate
Leaf venation: none, or difficult to see
Leaf type and persistence: evergreen
Leaf blade length: less than 2 inches
Leaf color: green
Fall color: no fall color change
Fall characteristic: not showy
Flower
Flower color: green
Flower characteristic: spring flowering
Fruit
Fruit shape: unknown
Fruit length: less than 0.5 inch
Fruit cover: dry or hard
Fruit color: brown
Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy
Trunk and Branches
Trunk/bark/branches: typically multi-trunked or clumping stems; not particularly showy
Current year stem/twig color: reddish
Current year stem/twig thickness: thin
Culture
Light requirement: plant grows in full sun
Soil tolerances: acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay
Drought tolerance: high
Soil salt tolerances: unknown
Plant spacing: 36 to 60 inches
Other
Roots: usually not a problem
Winter interest: no special winter interest
Outstanding plant: not particularly outstanding
Pest resistance: no serious pests are normally seen on the plant
Use and Management
Maidenbush will thrive on dry sandy soils in full or partial sun. Maidenbush is a drought-tolerant plant, but it may be damaged by cold weather in areas north of Vero Beach, FL. Native soil is fairly well drained in the coastal upland plant communities. Soil pH in its native habitat is slightly alkaline or neutral.
Pests and Diseases
There are no major problems growing maidenbush.
