Euphorbia robbiae (Mrs Robb's Bonnet) – Shade Ground Cover (3 x 9cm Pots)

Euphorbia robbiae, better known as Mrs Robb's bonnet, is one of the few plants that will carpet dry shade under trees and look good doing it.

Rosettes of deep green, leathery leaves sit on low stems and spread steadily by underground runners into a dense, weed suppressing mat. Bright yellow-green bracts come up in spring, from March to May, and lift a shady corner at a time when little else is going.

It grows in partial or full shade and will take sun, and once established it copes with dry soil, coastal exposure and neglect. Deer and rabbits leave it alone. Cut the flowered stems out at the base once they fade. 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 three plants in 9cm pots, ready for the garden or for potting on.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Mrs Robb's bonnet, wood spurge
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 60 to 90cm tall and 60 to 90cm wide, spreading gradually by underground shoots
• Growth Habit: Spreading, rhizomatous evergreen ground cover
• Perfect For: Dry shade under trees, shaded borders, woodland planting, weed suppression and containers
• Foliage: Deep green, leathery, rosette forming, held all year
• Flowering Time: Bright yellow-green bracts from March to May
• 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