BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: Spurge
• Genus: Euphorbia
• Species: myrsinites
• Skill Level: beginner
• Exposure: full sun
• Hardiness: hardy
• Soil type: acidic, chalky/alkaline, moist, well-drained/light
• Height: 0.15m
• Spread: 0.3m
• Time to plant seeds: March to May
• Time to divide plants: March to April

An unusual plant, resembling a cluster of elongated silvery-green fir cones, with pale silvery green scale-like leaves overlapping all the way along the prostrate stems. In early summer these have typical flat heads of yellow euphorbia flowers at the ends. Drought tolerant, it is a good plant to grow in a rock garden or in a hollow topped wall, but also thrives in any hot dry sunny situation where drainage is good and the soil does not stay wet in winter. Use it for the front of borders, a gravel garden, or bank. Its striking shape and texture make it a good winter patio plant. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).