The sun worshippers among the Euphorbias
Euphorbias occur in a wide variety of natural locations. In the garden, too, you can find the right plant for every situation. "It's important to choose the right plant for the right location; then you'll have long-lasting plantings," explains Manig. The bizarre-looking cylindrical spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) thrives in a rock garden or gravel bed in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Its gray, cylindrical shoots, covered in hard, prickly leaves, grow 25-30 cm long. The drier and hotter the climate, the more pronounced the silvery-blue leaf clusters with their yellow-green flowers at the tips appear. The prolific native cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) and the steppe spurge (Euphorbia seguieriana ssp. niciciana) are also suitable for dry, sunny locations. The spurge boasts a seemingly endless flowering period, stretching from July to October, and fine, grayish foliage. Its bushy, spherical, overhanging growth is an eye-catcher both in the sunny foreground of a flower bed and in a pot. Combined with Perovskia, Centranthus, and white-leaved Cerastium, it creates harmonious, long-lasting garden images.
Euphorbia species also for partially shaded and moist locations
"For partially shaded locations with moist soil, the native evergreen almond spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides) is just the thing," says Manig. The red-leaved variety 'Purpurea' captivates with its greenish-yellow blossoms in spring and is perfect for shade and spring gardens in combination with Epimedium, Hosta, and Luzula sylvatica. Growing to a height of 60 cm, the plant's red leaves add a pop of color to the perennial border well into winter. The foliage of the 'Blackbird' variety is even darker than that of 'Purpurea'. "To survive the winter well, the almond spurge should be placed in a well-drained location protected from the winter sun," advises the perennial expert. The marsh spurge (Euphorbia palustris) even grows in moist soils. The native plant grows to about one meter tall, has willow-like leaves and a long flowering period in May-June, and is suitable for both pond edges and perennial borders.
Imposing Mediterranean giant
There are also true giants among the spurge family. "The Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii) is particularly impressive," enthuses the perennial gardener. This imposing large perennial stretches its thick, evergreen stems up to 150 cm into the sky. The yellow-green flower spikes appear from April to June. The plant is particularly reminiscent of holidays in warm, southern climes. "It can be established in our garden," Manig knows, "but it should then be in a sheltered location." Unfortunately, it is not completely hardy in harsh climates. Very well-drained soil is essential. To develop its full beauty, this Euphorbia species needs sufficient nutrients. The spurge giant is also very suitable as an evergreen, impressive plant in a pot. There are now even smaller varieties and cultivars with partially variegated leaves, such as 'Emmer Green', which grows to 100 cm tall and has white-edged leaves.
