Mercurialis tomentosa
Care, watering, light and tips for Mercurialis tomentosa on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 10 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 10–38 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Mercurialis tomentosa
Mercurialis tomentosa, also known as Woolly Mercury, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Euphorbiaceae family, endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. It is characterized by its distinctive silvery-gray foliage, densely covered with soft hairs that give it a fuzzy, velvety appearance and feel. It is ideal for rockeries, gravel gardens, or as a low-maintenance plant in arid areas, providing an interesting textural and chromatic contrast.
Native range
Mediterranean region (southern Europe and northern Africa)
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure to maintain its coloration and compactness, although it tolerates some partial shade in very hot climates. This is a xerophilous plant, so watering should be very scarce; it is essential to allow the substrate to dry out completely between waterings and avoid waterlogging. It prefers well-drained soils, even poor and stony ones, without the need for much organic matter. The most common mistake to avoid is overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Mercurialis tomentosa
- Warning signs
- Wilted, yellowing, or lifeless leaves. Stunted or very slow growth.
- First aid
- Move to partial shade, water moderately if soil is dry. Check drainage.
- What kills it
- Overwatering that rots roots, or strong direct sun burning its leaves.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and stem still has some vitality.