Plant of the week

Euphorbias: Some people are wary of because they contain an irritant sap, but when you see something as pretty as this – and so early in the year – then it seems a shame not to plant at least one variety. In this case, it’s the hardy E ‘Ascot Rainbow’, a plant that does well in a sunny site and in well-drained garden soil. It can also make a fine pot plant. The grey-green leaves of this evergreen perennial emerge with a pinkish-red flush and, as they mature, develop a red-marked, creamy yellow margin.