Silver Spurge

Euphorbia rigida is a striking, structural succulent-like perennial that adds dramatic flair to its surroundings. It features arching, ascending stems clothed in spirally arranged, pointed, fleshy leaves of a beautiful glaucous blue-grey. In early spring, the tips of these stems erupt into large, domed inflorescences of vivid chartreuse-yellow bracts, which gradually age to a warm tan-pink. This plant is a fantastic addition to a Mediterranean-style garden or a hot, sunny border in the UK. It is quite hardy (H4) and evergreen, providing vital structure during the winter months. It prefers a position in full sun with sharply drained soil; it is particularly happy in poor, gravelly ground where other plants might struggle. Like other spurges, it contains a milky sap that can be a skin irritant, so one should wear gloves when pruning off the flowered stems in summer. Its architectural form and early-season colour make it a designer favourite for modern gardens.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Light, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: MarInternal, AprInternal, MayInternal.