Euphorbia, Wood Spurge 'Craigieburn'

This is a selection of Euphorbia amygdaloides f. purpurea, named after the Scottish garden where it was found. Reckoned by Don Witton (Br...Read Moreitish National Collection Holder of Euphorbia) to be the best form. Its height is generally about 18" in bloom.

About E. amygdaloides f. purpurea:

This is an exceptionally valuable perennial. It tolerates dry shade, though it prefers light shade and moist well-drained soil. The maroon foliage is a good color echo with the dark-leaved Heucheras, and both plants like the same conditions. Semi-evergreen here in Boston, and evergreen further south. The purple foliage tints are stronger with more sun.

The chartreuse flower bracts are very showy and liven pink-and-purple color schemes. Bloom occurs on the ends of last year's stems, so don't cut this plant back in your fall cleanup. Cut flowering stems to the ground after bloom to encourage fresh growth from the base. This is the only maintenance needed.

Valuable as it is, this species is being displaced in the trade by E. x martinii hybrids, which are showy but not as hardy, and usually used as container plants.

Like most perennials, this will self-sow sparingly under ideal conditions, if seed is allowed to mature. It will not become a pest. Seedlings come true to foliage color.

Like all euphorbias, the sap is a sticky white latex that's toxic. Rarely eaten by deer or other foragers. Some people get a skin rash from contact with the sap.

After several years, mature clumps can be divided in early spring. When bare-rooted, clumps will fall easily apart into separate plants.

Not recommended for places with hot humid summers and frequent night temperatures over 70F, as in USDA zones 8 and higher in the East. Prone to mildew under such conditions.

Requires good drainage, especially in winter. Sharp drainage is even better. Prefers to stay on the dry side- excessive irrigation can rot the roots.

This is also called Euphorbia amygdaloides var. rubra, E. amygdaloides f. rubra, E. amygdaloides 'Purpurea', E. amygdaloides var. purpurea, E. amygdaloides f. purpurea.