How to plant euphorbias

Euphorbias or milkweeds are easy-to-grow plants producing distinctive acid green leaves and green-yellow cyathia. Excellent value for money, these elegant hardy perennials will bring interest to most wet or dry garden all year around. Try planting with other perennial plants such as eupatoriums rugosum chocolate, purple/pink geraniums or echinops. Alternatively, mix with silver grasses.

• Plant in moist, well-drained, light, humus rich soil in full sun to dappled shade.
• Euphorbias are supplied in 9 cm pots.
• Always unpack on arrival and store in a cool place until ready to plant.
• Take care! Their milky sap is a strong irritant. Do wear gloves and take extra care when handling.
• Euphorbias can be harmful and should not be eaten.

Potential problems, pests and diseases:

• Aphids: these sap-eating insects can weaken plants and spread viruses. Whenever possible, pick off by hand using gloves.
  
  
• Botrytis/grey mould: this fungal disease usually caused by excessive moisture, warm temperatures and poor air circulation can initially be seen as brown spots/grey mould on the leaves and stems. If you spot any signs of this disease, immediately remove affected bulbs/plants and destroy. Botrytis is an airborne virus and can spread rapidly in the breeze so do not compost infected material.