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 The leafy perennials that we grow outside in the garden come mainly from Europe and temperate Asia. Europe has around 100 native species and about a dozen grow wild in the U.K.
There are Euphorbias suitable for most garden situations. The many glaucous leaved varieties such as Euphorbia nicaeensis and Euphorbia rigida like hot, sunny, well drained positions whilst Euphorbia palustris revels in damp, wet conditions. Euphorbia griffithii and its cultivars thrive on heavier clay soils and remains relatively compact, whilst Euphorbia amygdaloides prefers a humus rich soil and shade. Euphorbia robbiae will thrive in dark dry shade. The miniature Euphorbia capitulata is the perfect rockery plant and the stately Euphorbia characias is the star of the early spring border. Flowering time is from February to November, the peak month being May. The predominant colour of the bracts is lime-yellow but there are also reds and oranges. Many species are evergreen and give year round foliage interest. |
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 Growing hardy Euphorbias is, on the whole, quite easy. As a general rule, they will be happy with well drained soil, some shelter and some sun. The plants can be propagated by division, seed or cuttings. Species are easily grown from seed sown in early spring. No heat is necessary. Most cultivars can be divided in February and March, and the best time to take cuttings is from late June until early September. During this period many varieties produce branching shoots from the upper part of the stems after flowering which make perfect cutting material. |
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All Euphorbias exude a milky white sap which can be a skin irritant
and should not be ingested. |
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