Cushion Spurge

Cushion Spurge (Euphorbia) Sun – Part Sun.  6” – 24” This family has a lot of funky members with foliage that is a lot showier than their spring flowers. Either way, they make a statement. The most commonly sold variety is polychroma. It has bright yellow flowers in spring and green leaves. But why not step it up a notch and plant ‘First Blush’ (pink, white and green leaves), ‘Bonfire’ (burgundy-red leaves),‘Chameleon’ (bronzy purple leaves) or ‘Ascot Rainbow’ (green and yellow leaves with orange tips in cooler weather)? All have bright yellow flowers and benefit from a hard shear after blooming to create a neat, tight mound. Don’t be timid when pruning these back. I shear them by 1/3 to ½ their height. If you have sensitive skin, wear gloves when pruning spurges as the sap may cause a rash. Polychroma, Zones 3 – 8. All others are Zones 5 – 8.  (excerpt from my new ebook, The Smart Plant Shopper’s Top Ten Lists for Exceptional Perennials, Shrubs, Annuals and More for Zones 3 – 7)