Euphorbia polychroma - Cushion Spurge

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones 4-8, 12-18" x 12-18", full sun to part sun, showy, long-lasting acid yellow-green bracts over blue-green leaves in spring. Wants lean, sandy or gravelly, dry soils.

Common names: Cushion Spurge, Euphorbia, Many-colored Spurge

Synonyms: Euphorbia epithymoides subsp. epithymoides

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Origin/Distribution: Occurs in the southeast of Europe, Libya, and the northwest of Turkey. It has also been introduced and has established in parts of Scandinavia, Poland, and the United States (New York and Vermont).

Habitat: This species is found on open, dry hillsides, lightly shaded woodlands, and meadows with good drainage. 

More: This plant is a problem-solver for dry, sunny positions. Because its persistent bracts are what we read as the "bloom", it has a long-lasting presence in the garden and the leaves turn shades of reddish-orange as the days shorten and the air cools. It grows naturally in a formal dome shape. Good for edges, containers, and rock gardens. Looks great coming up with later-blooming bulbs that like similar conditions, such as species tulips. As with Ladies Mantle, this may be a strong seeder. However, also like Ladies Mantle, the seedlings are easy to identify and either move or remove. The stems of Euphorbias contain sap that can cause contact dermatitis or eye injury, so be mindful of that. The same sap makes the plant deer and rabbit resistant. 

Source: Van Berkum Nursery

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons