Euphorbia mellifera
honey spurge
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: light, well-drained garden soil
- Rate of growth: fast growing
- Flowering period: March and April
- Hardiness: frost hardy (needs winter protection in cold areas)
A magnificent, large euphorbia that really makes a dramatic statement in the garden. It has stiff stems strung with whorls of bright green leaves with a white stripe down the centre and topped in spring, with small, honey-scented, bronze-tinted flowers. This evergreen shrub is grown as much for its foliage as its deliciously scented flowers and will thrive in a sheltered, sunny spot. It forms a natural dome shape, and gives structure and an architectual quality to the garden. Or try it as part of an exotic scheme; the luminous-green leaves look great with large-leafed plants.- Garden care:
In autumn cut back the faded flower stems, avoiding new ones. When working with spurges always wear gloves since the milky sap is poisonous and a potential skin irritant. Remove unwanted seedlings each spring as part of routine border maintenance.
- CAUTION toxic if eaten/skin & eye irritant
Anemanthele lessoniana
pheasant's tail grass (syn. Stipa arundinacea )
Versatile and colourful
Bergenia 'Abendglut'
elephant's ears (syn. Evening Glow)
Deep magenta flowers in spring
Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria'
cardinal flower
Bright red flowers and maroon foliage
Euphorbia polychroma
spurge
Vivid acid yellow flowers
Melianthus major
honey bush
Stunning, architectural plant with serrated leaves
Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff'
dahlia bulb
Perfect for adding sizzling colour
July pruning of trees, shrubs and climbers
Early-summer- flowering shrubs can be pruned this month to keep them vigorous and flowering well. It is also the ideal time to prune several trees that are prone to bleeding if pruned at other times, and it’s not too late...
Read full articleJungle
The trick to achieving the tropical effect is good preparation and dense planting, vivid foliage, fiery flowers and striking contrasts. The jungle garden is a place for theatrical planning and planting. If you don't have room or the inclination...
Read full articleEuphorbias
Hardy euphorbias, commonly known as spurges, make ideal plants for any gardener who rates themself as ‘keen but clueless’, yet a little bit adventurous. First and foremost they are excellent garden plants that can be used in the border and...
Read full article