Splurge out on a spurge

In its wild form, it has evolved to occupy a huge range of habitats in tropical, subtropical and temperate zones. This has led to numerous forms, from tree-like succulents, through upright shrubs, to rounded shrubs, clump-forming perennials, dwarf succulents and prostrate semi-succulents. It is reckoned to be one of the most diverse plant families in the entire kingdom of plants.

This makes it a really exciting proposition for gardeners who are looking to bring some fresh life to rock gardens, mixed or shrub borders or woodland gardens. Whatever the situation, there will probably be a euphorbia to fill it.

If you are looking for some striking foliage from a perennial plant that also works well as ground cover, then Euphorbi

griffithii 'Fireglow' should fit the bill. As the name suggests, the flower forms are intense orange-red to red and give the impression of flames springing from the leaves. Ideal conditions are moist soils, rich in humus under light dappled shade.

For an exotic-looking little star, try Euphorbia myrsinites – an evergreen perennial with succulent leaves that would look great in any rock garden.

Flower forms appear at the tips of the stems in spring and are bright greenish yellow.

It thrives in full sun in light soil and at only 10cm high, with a spread of 30cm, it delivers a lot of value for the space it needs. Despite its looks, it is fully hardy.

Euphorbia palustris is a robust perennial that produces long-lasting, deep yellow flower forms in late spring and can achieve a height and spread of 90cm. This one needs permanently moist soil and full sun to achieve its best potential.

For those with a moderate winter (not below –5C) there is the wonderful option of Euphorbia characias, which originates in Portugal and the Mediterranean.

This one needs light, well-drained soil in full sun, but if you can offer that, you will be rewarded by an amazing, upright, evergreen exotic-looking shrub. The dense cylindrical or spherical clusters of flower forms develop at the tips of the erect shoots and are a lovely yellow-green. The subspecies, wulfenii 'John Tomlinson', is particularly outstanding.

Euphorbia is also known by the popular name "spurge", this related to their former medicinal use as purgatives ("spurge" being a corruption of the middle English/old French "espurge").

One thing to watch out for is the latex-like sap produced when a plant is broken or pruned – it stings like mad, so keep it away from cuts and sensitive bits of the body.

YP MAG 15/5/10