Featured Plant: Euphorbia

This is a highly architectural plant with evergreen foliage topped by a huge dome of bright golden-green flowers, which last for months. It revels in well-drained conditions, and like many euphorbias enjoys hot dry positions. It looks most at home in the company of other plants that enjoy dry sun, such as rosemary, ballota, and purple sage -  its natural companions in a wild Mediterranean habitat. The plant also teams well with daffodils. Alternatively plant in groups to add drama to rock and gravel gardens. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Common Name: Spurge

Genus: Euphorbia

Species: characias

Cultivar: subsp. wulfenii 'Lambrook Gold'

Skill Level: beginner

Exposure: full sun

Hardiness: hardy

Soil type: acidic, chalky/alkaline, moist, well-drained/light

Height: 0.9m

Spread: 0.9m

Plant seeds: March to May

Divide plants: March to April

This grass has a wonderful upright growth habit, making it very useful to place behind perennials with spreading or rounded shapes.  The feathery plumes emerge in early summer and ripen to handsome wheat colored seed heads by fall.   The seed heads can be used as either fresh or dried accents to flower arrangements.

Bloom Color: Purple and yellow 

Bloom Time: Summer and fall

Foliage Color: Green

Height: 48-60"

Spread: 16-18"