Rosettes all round
Spurges look unsophisticated but rain makes them shine bright like a diamond, writes David Overend.
There are little beacons of brightness that can be relied on to give their best – whatever the weather and whatever the crisis – like spurges. These simple, unsophisticated plants, which rarely receive the recognition they deserve for all their efforts in growing and flowering, year in, year out, without asking for any help from anyone or anything, are among many unsung heroes of the gardening world.
Certain spurges (euphorbia) should be made compulsory additions to every garden, no matter how big or small.
They are so tough, so cheerful (yes, some varieties are invasive – their tiny rosettes appear yards away from the parent plants; just pull them up and you’ll find yards of root) and even elegant. Their foliage holds raindrops which, should the sun shine, reflect the light like tiny diamonds.
And despite their ability to go where they shouldn’t, hardy spurges deserve to be recognised as valuable additions to beds and borders, and even containers.
They may be the little-praised workhorses, relatives of the vibrant poinsettias which make their mark every Christmas, but for many months of the year, evergreen euphorbias are the ones that are more than capable of holding together perennial beds.
Euphorbia amygdaloides, for example, can put up with just about anything the weather – and the gardener – throws at it. And it also has the advantage of being very early-flowering.
It’s known as the wood spurge, and produces long-lasting, lime-green blooms above rosettes of glossy, dark-green leaves. As it is evergreen and suckering, it also makes attractive groundcover. Left unchecked, it can become invasive, so keep an eye on it.
In autumn, cut back the faded flower stems and pull out any plants growing in the wrong place. But take care – when the stems are cut or broken, they release a white, irritant sap. Wear gloves and keep your hands away from your eyes.
Spurges are among the most tolerant and versatile plants available to the gardener. They take the rough with the smooth, the rich soil with the poor. No sunless corner is too dark for them – they will grow anywhere and defy all weathers and conditions.
They come in a huge array of shapes, sizes – and colours – so it’s important to choose with care the right variety for the right spot.