Whilst the wretched winter weather continues to dowse and drown us, there are signs of spring in the garden if one looks hard enough for them. Truly a plant for all seasons, the acid-yellow flowers of Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii (Mediterranean spurge) are already beginning to unfurl from their protective layer of glaucous blue leaves. It will be March or April before they are in full bloom, providing a foil for tulips, daffodils and silky pasque flowers.
Categories: Daily Flower Candy, Flowers, Foliage, Perennials
Nice blue foliage! I have tried some of the darker ones and they never do well and just die out. I have had much success with Ascott Rainbow it grows great for me! It is a variegated cultivar and gets a nice winter color that pinks.
I toyed with buying an ‘Ascott Rainbow’ last week in our garden centre as it was marked-down by 50%. I think it’s an x martinii rather than a characias. I was not sure if I would like the variegation (I usually prefer plain leaf colours), but perhaps I should reconsider?
I grew some from seed and they kept going rather unenthusiastically for a few years near my front door at the cottage. But I swear it was they that smelt of blocked drains at unpredictable times, making for a hasty passage through the garden… Anyone else noticed this? i was not inclined to go sniffing to find the culprit.
I have not noticed a smell Jack, although I have looked online and some people mention a skunky smell when they flower. I think perhaps it’s best to keep them away from the front door just in case.
I agree with Flora, Ascott Rainbow is a lovely plant, has done very well with us and looks good all the year. This one is nice too!
OK, sold! Thanks for the advice. I will try to find a space for one 🙂