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Herbaceous Perennial

Euphorbia griffithii 'Fern Cottage'

A vigorous, suckering perennial with narrow strap-like leaves which emerge as bronzey-red coloured in the spring, turn to green in the summer then yellow and orange in the autumn. Upright stems produce orange flowers in the summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Red Yellow
Summer Orange Green Red Yellow
Autumn Green Red Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Suckering
Potentially harmful
IRRITANT to skin/eye, harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Euphorbia can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or succulents, with milky sap and small flowers held within cupped, often colourful bracts

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, humus-rich soil in light dappled shade; can be invasive on light soils. See Euphorbia for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division in early spring or take basal cuttings in spring or early summer; dip cut surfaces in charcoal or lukewarm water to prevent bleeding

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Banks and slopes
Pruning

Cut back flowering shoots to ground level in late summer or autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to rust, and to root and stem rots in wet conditions

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