Euphorbia characias Wulfenii (Spurge) January 6th

This particular 'spurge - Euphorbia characias Wulfenii is a must-have plant for any garden.

The winter flowering Spurge Euphorbia characias Wulfenii flowers in the hardest of winter. The foliage on this Euphorbia give all year round interest.

I know that it is still in bud and not yet in flower, but a whole 'bush' of these Euphorbia characias Wulfenii flower buds is quite attractive - believe me! You will see it again in this calendar when it is in full bloom, and also in next winter, when the evergreen blue/green foliage looks great with the frost on it.

The upright growth can grow to 1.2m, though 90cm is probably the norm. (Cut out the flowered shoots - quite hard - right after flowering). Best in well drained light soil - full sun, but will put up with dappled shade.

Like all Euphorbias, Euphorbia characias Wulfenii will cause severe discomfort if eaten, and the milky sap can irritate if in contact with skin. (Careful when pruning).

It is a large enough plant to place further back in the bed or border. All that said, there are not many large gardens that do not have a single Euphorbia planted. They are a valuable group of plants in most gardens.

Euphorbia characias ssp Wulfenii will be happy in light shade, but is at it's best when planted in full sun.