Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Purpurea'

Common name: Wood Spurge 'Purpurea'

Description: This stunning cultivar of the native wood spurge offers exceptional foliage colour with deep purple to burgundy stems and leaves that create a dramatic statement in shaded areas. The narrow, lance-shaped evergreen leaves are arranged in attractive rosettes, and the purple colouration is most intense in spring and autumn, with good colour maintained throughout the year. In spring, chartreuse-yellow flower heads appear atop the purple stems, creating a stunning colour combination that is highly prized by garden designers. The plant forms a slowly spreading clump through short rhizomes, providing effective ground cover without being invasive. This is an invaluable plant for bringing dark, rich colour to woodland gardens and shaded borders where it associates beautifully with spring bulbs and other shade lovers.

Other benefits: dramatic purple foliage, excellent for shade, native plant, evergreen structure, low maintenance, self-seeds gently

Wildlife attraction: bees, early pollinators

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 0.4m x 0.6m

Position: partial shade to full shade; colour deepens in cooler conditions

Soil pH: adaptable to most soils; performs well in neutral to alkaline conditions

Moisture: low to moderate watering required; drought tolerant once established in shade; prefers well-drained soil

Winter hardiness: very cold hardy to -20°C