Euphorbia is a huge group of plants—nearly 2,000 species according to botanists—and many of them make striking flowering and foliage plants for borders, ground cover and dry gardens. Sometimes, types with spines, or leafless and/or succulent types, are mistaken for cacti. However, the euphorbias offered by us are hardy garden perennials, which bring a unique range of colours to the garden.

Many Euphorbia (sometimes called spurge) offer bright sulphur yellow colour—but not technically from the flowers. Colourful bracts surround the tiny individual flowers. Euphorbias are easy to grow. Most are sun lovers, which do well in light soil. These plants resent root disturbance, so once you have planted your bare root Euphorbia, leave them undisturbed.

When cut, bruised or damaged, Euphorbia exude a white sap; this can irritate the skin, so it is best to wear gloves when handling them. Also keep the sap away from your eyes.