Fall for the foliage of Euphorbias

The perfect addition to any garden, spurges couple lovely leaves with unusual flowers and look great with many spring and summer favourites, says Louise Curley

- Louise Curley

EVEN the most die-hard flower fan cannot deny the appeal of euphorbias, which provide fabulous foliage and structural presence – all in a vibrant-coloured, low-maintenance package. Also known as spurges – a reference to the fact that they were once used in medicine as a purgative – euphorbias make up one of the largest plant genera in the world, with more than 2,000 species.

Examples can be found on every continent except Antarctica, a diversity of habitat that means the genus includes desert-dwelling succulents, cactus-like trees in Africa, species from the Med, and even a couple that are native to British woodlands. Although the majority of them are too tender to survive in the UK, there are plenty that will happily thrive in our plots, where they make great garden plants. And because they offer such incredible variety, it’s no exaggeration to say that there is a euphorbia to suit virtually every situation and type of garden.

What distinguishes them from other plants is the presence of tiny flowers that are gathered together in small clusters known as cyathia. In certain species, the cyathia are then surrounded by what look like petals, but that are, in fact, colourful bracts – modified leaves whose purpose is to attract pollinators.

The right soil

They are generally easy to grow as long as you get the soil conditions right. As a rule of thumb, euphorbias with silvery-blue foliage hail from the Med, and will need free-draining conditions, shelter and plenty of sunshine – gravel gardens and sunny borders are ideal. The green-leaved ones tend to be happier with a bit of shade and a more moist soil.