Euphorbias: lovely leaves, unusual

They come from all over the world, but many euphorbias will happily make themselves at home in UK plots, including ‘Excalibur’ with its striking zingy bracts

The perfect addition to any garden, spurges couple lovely leaves with unusual flowers and look great with many spring and summer favourites, says Louise Curley

EVEN the most die-hard flower fan cannot deny the appeal of euphorbias, which provide fabulous foliage and structural presence –all in a vibrant-coloured, lowmaintenance package. Also known as spurges –a reference to the fact that they were once used in medicine as a purgative –euphorbias make up one of the largest plant genera in the world, with more than 2,000 species. Examples can be found on every continent except Antarctica, a diversity of habitat that means the genus includes desert-dwelling succulents, cactus-like trees in Africa, species from the Med, and even a couple that are native to British woodlands. Although the majority of them are too tender to survive in the UK, there are plenty that will happily thrive in our plots, where they make great garden plants. And because they offer such incredible variety, it’s no exaggeration to say that there is a euphorbia to suit virtually every situation and type of garden. What distinguishes them from other plants is the presence of tiny flowers that are gathered together in small clusters known as cyathia. In certain species, the cyathia are then surrounded by what look like petals, but that are, in fact, colourful bracts –modified leaves whose purpose is to attract pollinators.

The right soil They are generally easy to grow as long as you get the soil conditions right. As a rule of thumb, euphorbias with silveryblue foliage hail from the Med, and will need free-draining conditions, shelter and plenty of sunshine –gravel gardens and sunny borders are ideal. The greenleaved ones tend to be happier with a bit of shade and a more moist soil. The one downside to euphorbias is that when they’re damaged they exude a milky sap that is poisonous if ingested and a serious irritant to the skin and eyes. For that reason, it’s important that you wear gloves, long sleeves and even goggles when handling them. It’s also worth planting them away from areas of high footfall, where people might brush past them, and to restrict them to places where children never play. This toxic sap has the advantage of ensuring that euphorbias rarely suffer from pest problems, however. If you’ve never tried euphorbias before –or if you want to add to your collection –as the ground gradually warms up in the coming weeks it’s a good time to start planting them. Get them in borders (or even in pots) soon and they will provide the perfect foil for spring-flowering bulbs and perennials.

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‘Whistleberry Garnet’ AGM Evergreen; forms low mounds of velvety, jade-green leaves with jewel red edges and undersides. In late spring yellow flowers with red ‘eyes’ emerge. Plant in dappled shade, under a deciduous tree or large shrub. HxS: 32x28in (80x70cm).

E. amygdaloides var. robbiae AGM Invaluable for tricky areas of dry shade, creating evergreen groundcover with glossy green leaves and spires of lime green spring flowers. The seedheads turn pretty shades of copper. Can be invasive. HxS: 32x28in (80x70cm).

Blackbird A striking evergreen featuring rosettes of purple-tinged glaucous foliage from which spikes of lime green flowers appear from March to May. Happy in full sun or partial shade. Good for groundcover. HxS: 16x20in (40x50cm).

E. characias subsp. wulfenii Robust stems, whorls of silver-blue leaves and lots of acid-yellow flowers make for a real statement plant. A Med native, it needs plenty of sun. Produces biennial stems –in late summer cut back those that have flowered. HxS: 5ftx39in (1½x1m).

E. schillingii AGM This herbaceous euphorbia has narrow green leaves and flat, open flowerheads made up of long-lasting, bright yellow blooms from July to September. Great for the middle-to-back of a summer border. HxS: 3x2ft (90x60cm).

E. x martini Sturdy stems are covered in rosettes of chartreuse-green leaves, and topped in spring and summer with lime green bracts surrounding striking red centres. This is a short-lived perennial (just four-five years) but it will self-seed. H&S: 21∕2ft (75cm).

There are euphorbia tree species in Africa that can grow to more than 50ft/15m tall. Succulent euphorbias found in deser habitats store water in their stems. Euphorbia pulcherrima from Mexico is better known as poinsettia. Its scarlet red bracts make it a Christmas favourite, sold in the millions as an indoor plant. Poinsettia is actually a type of euphorbia, native to Mexico

E. characias ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ AGM The grey-green foliage has creamy-white margins, and silvergrey buds unfurl to produce clusters of pale yellow flowers. Compact; can be grown in containers. Needs shelter to protect leaves and flowers from scorching. HxS: 32x20in (80x50cm).

E. mellifera AGM Tall stems are covered in dark green leaves, each bearing a central white stripe; the copper-coloured flowers give off a honeyed scent. Native to the Canary Islands, so plant in a sheltered, mild spot. HxS: 61/2x8ft (2x2½m). Winter interest

E. myrsinites AGM A mat-forming euphorbia, the trailing stems of which are covered with scale-like, overlapping silver-grey leaves –the effect is a bit like a pine cone. In summer, expect bright yellow flowers in clusters. Well-drained soil. HxS: 4x20in (10x50cm).

Herbaceous perennial types Deadhead after flowering, then prune in autumn, cutting back to the base of the plant. Biennial flowering types Some euphorbias carry two types of stem: those from the previous year on which the flowers will appear, and the new season’s growth. Cut the flowered stems to the ground in late summer or autumn, but leave the new growth. Evergreen types These require a light prune after flowering; cut back to the first ring of foliage beneath the spent flowerhead.

E. x martini ‘Ascot Rainbow’ AGM Highly colourful, this cultivar looks good all year round, but it really comes into its own in winter. Edged in yellow, the greyish-green foliage takes on pink tones when the weather turns cold. HxS: 39inx21/2ft (1mx75cm).

Some euphorbias need cutting right back in autumn

Euphorbias look lovely with spring bulbs, and the combination of orange-flowered E. griffithii ‘Fireglow’ and lavender blue camassias is unbeatable. Both favour moist, well-drained soil and are happiest when positioned in light shade