These acid green flowers provide a strong compliment to the bright greens of spring. This E. cyparissias will spread by root and through seed dispersal

With over 2000 species in the genera there are many types of Euphorbia from which to build an interesting collection. There are succulents, cacti and spurges from all continents. Try the tall woody thick leaved E. characias to the orange flowered E. griffithii ‘Fireglow’ or ‘Dixter’. That is not to ignore the most popular houseplant Euphorbia pulcherrima the Poinsettias but save those for Christmas.


Tips for Successful Euphorbias

• Wear gloves as the sap can be an irritant – spurges were used as a purgative in old medicine hence the name
• Take greenwood cuttings of wood Euphorbias or split roots in early spring
• Try E. myrsinites in gravel or rockery it is only 4 inches tall but make a good clump
• E. rigida is another small growing variety about 8 inches tall
• If you become addicted to collecting Euphorbias consider joining the international Euphorbia society http://www.euphorbia-international.org/
• Look out for varieties on sale that have received the RHS Award of Garden Merit AGM like the E. amygdaloides ‘Robbiae’ It has rounded, glossy, dark-green leaves that make a tight, spreading fifteen-inch mound. Even in the driest, deepest shade, you can count on cheery panicles of yellow flowers high above the foliage in early spring.
• E. dulcis ‘Chameleon’ is among the best purple-leaved perennials and can be reinvigorated by cutting the plant back in early summer (or right after flowering to keep this notorious self-seeder in check).

See also Euphorbia Euphoria and Top Ten Euphorbias

Euphorbia are generally succulent.