Euphorbia Ground Cover
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Euphorbia (Spurge)
Euphorbia (Spurge) ground cover are part of a huge family of varieties with over 2,400 different types! Those varieties most popular in gardens have all-round interest with a slightly exotic, architectural appearance. As a rule, Euphorbia plants require well-drained soil in full sun. A few tolerate shadier conditions, but none of the family is fussy about soil condition. Easy to grow in well-drained soil, ideally in full sun, they are ideal planted in the middle or front of mixed Mediterranean style borders. Try with Lavender plants, Salvias or with Box or Japanese Holly for a more structural display.
Mainly evergreen, the foliage looks good all year round, although the stems are at their best from early Summer onwards, when topped with clusters of tiny flowers and striking, showy bracts that can be left until winter. Alternatively, you can deadhead the flowers for neatness. Striking and slightly unusual, Euphorbia (Spurge) leaves come in a huge range, the most popular garden favourites having narrow, lance shaped leaves with an almost cacti-like appearance. The early Spring-flowering species provide pollen for pollinators when there aren’t many other food options, and they attract ladybirds and other beneficial insects.
Types of Euphorbia Ground Cover
Ideally grow Euphorbia ground cover ground cover in full sun, though some varieties will tolerate partial shade . It will happily thrive in most soils so long as they are well-drained. Once established they are fully hardy and can tolerate periods of drought, in fact they prefer less fertile soil so we advise not to feed them. Be very careful and always wear gloves when pruning or handling Euphorbia as their stems release a milky sap that is highly toxic when ingested and can cause significant skin irritation (on the plus side, this makes them deer resistant!).
As a rough guide when planting Euphorbia as ground cover – 4 plants per square metre is adequate with a little patience, 6 will give better coverage, and 9-12 will make a weed supressing carpet very quickly.
How to grow Euphorbia
Position: Full sun
Foliage: Evergreen, semi-evergreen
Soil and site: Well-drained – almost any soil except overly fertile
Flowering time: Early Summer to Autumn
Growth rate: Moderate
Ultimate height and spread: Height from 20cm to 150cm, spread to 100cm depending on variety
Hardiness: Fully hardy once established
Aftercare: Trim back any damaged stems in early spring to keep the plant tidy and heathy – Clip carefully, new shoots will likely be emerging that you want to keep intact!
