Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Purpurea’

Description: A bushy evergreen perennial with interest all year round. Long-lasting lime-acid yellow bracts in the spring are brilliantly contrasted against the vivid purple foliage especially in the spring continuing throughout the summer. A plant that performs well in poor dry soil.

Uses: Best planted towards the front of a border, a woodland garden or even in containers. Brilliant when planted with spring flowering bulbs.

Climate / Position: Tolerates sun and shade. Best foliage colour in partial shade.

Height / Spread: Height 30-50cm. Spread 30cm

Soil Requirements: Moist, well drained soil. Can tolerate poor soils.

Pruning : Cut out the old flowering stems in late summer to keep the plant looking fresh As these are biennial and will die after flowering and can then look untidy. New shoots will then form from the base and these will flower next year. Prune with caution as the sap can cause skin irritation. Wear gloves when pruning and avoid working in the sunshine at this time.

Special Requirements: The sap can cause skin and eye irritation. Toxic if eaten.

Additional Interest: The common name Spurge comes from old French ‘espurge’ - when used by physicians in medieval times to spurge evil spirits – gladly a practice that is no longer used!