PerennialsEuphorbia characias
Mediterranean Spurge
Mediterranean Spurge is an architectural, evergreen perennial with blue-green foliage and striking yellow-green flower heads in spring. The columnar flower stems can reach 120 cm and bring colour and structure to the garden early in the season.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 60–120 cm
- Spread
- 60–100 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 7–10
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- green, yellow
- Wildlife value
- bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal watering. Avoid wet or waterlogged soils — this leads to root rot. Wear gloves when pruning, as the white sap is a skin irritant.
Pruning tips
Cut back spent flower stems to the base in June to encourage fresh foliage. Remove damaged or brown stems in spring. Always wear gloves due to the irritating milky sap.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
PerennialsStachys byzantina
Lamb's Ear
Lamb's Ear is a versatile perennial with soft, silvery, woolly leaves that invite touch. The plant forms dense mats of fuzzy rosettes and blooms in summer with small pink-purple flowers on upright stems.
HerbsRosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic, evergreen sub-shrub with needle-like deep-green foliage and small blue flowers in spring. The plant gives off a warm, resinous scent and is prized both in the kitchen and the ornamental garden. Rosemary thrives in warm, dry spots and is highly drought-tolerant.