Euphorbia robbiae (Mrs Robb's Bonnet) – Evergreen Ground Cover (Set of 3 or 6)

Euphorbia robbiae is the spurge to reach for when you need something evergreen to cover dry shade under trees.

It makes rosettes of dark, leathery green leaves on low stems and spreads steadily underground into a dense carpet that keeps weeds down. In spring it lifts bright lime green bract heads above the foliage, and those hold their colour for weeks.

It grows in partial or full shade and will take sun, and once established it puts up with dry soil, coastal exposure and being left alone. Bees work the early bracts. Cut the flowered stems out at the base once they fade to keep it tidy. Every euphorbia bleeds a milky sap that irritates skin and eyes, so wear gloves and eye protection when cutting back, and all parts are harmful if eaten. Supplied as a set of three or six well rooted plants in 1L pots.

You can choose a set of three or a set of six.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Mrs Robb's bonnet, wood spurge
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 40 to 70cm tall, spreading gradually by underground shoots
• Growth Habit: Spreading evergreen ground cover
• Perfect For: Dry shade under trees, shaded borders, woodland planting, underplanting and containers
• Foliage: Deep green, leathery, in rosettes, held all year
• Flowering Time: Lime green bracts from spring into early summer
• Planting Position: Partial shade or full shade, and it will take sun. It copes with dry soil once established, with coastal exposure and with life in a container
• Soil Type: Well drained, tolerates poor dry soil once established
• Hardiness: Fully hardy in Britain
• Maintenance: Cut flowered stems to the base as they fade. Very little else
• Seasonal Interest: Spring and summer, with evergreen foliage year round
• Type: Hardy evergreen perennial