Colourful shoots, foliage and flowers in a shifting range of appealing combinations –
Euphorbias come in a variety of styles, both evergreen and deciduous perennials, some shrub like and in all foliage colours from fresh green, lime, blue-greys and variegated, whites, reds, oranges and purples.
Euphorbia myrsinites (above), a rock plant with great spring interest. An evergreen, prostrate perennial with terminal clusters of bright, chartreuse yellow-green flowers in spring. Woody stems are clothed in small, pointed, fleshy, grey-green leaves. Grow on poor soil, with the snaky shoots creeping over a wall or ledge.
Euphorbia polychroma, a rounded, bushy perennial with mid green leaves sings with bright yellow flowers carried for several weeks. I shall be looking out for a variety called ‘Bonfire‘ this year. From spring to autumn, the tight, compact ‘Bonfire’ seems to be in constant flux: the shoots emerge green in the spring, quickly becoming orange or purplish; the yellow flowers open; all summer the plant develops reddish or purplish tints, becoming fiery in the autumn. The precise colouring seems to depend on temperature and moisture, but this plant is never, ever dull. Staightforward Euphorbia polychroma is a welcome spring sight, matching the brightness of narcissus and making good neighbours with tulips and other early bulbs. Full sun and fertile soil should suit them.
As well as E. polychroma and E. myrsinites, I have used successfully E. Silver Swan, E. griffithii Fireglow and Dixter, E. characias Portuguese Velvet, E. martinii, E. amygdaloides ‘Craigieburn’ and var. robbiae and the tender E. mellifera, variously in containers, dry shade, woodland through to full sun. A plant for every situation and interest in each season.
The Teddington Gardener 