Tough and resilient the Euphorbia are a big part of the garden scene and many plant that you don’t know as such are hiding in plain sight. Although the classics are always good, we love the new varieties that bring something different to the garden and patio making them fresh and on trend.

 

 

Martins Spurge by Any Other Name

Martins Spurge is a succulent Euphorbia with an unusual name. “Spurge” comes from an old French word referring to its historical use for purging toxins. Modern varieties contain an irritant, so we do not recommend using them medicinally. Despite this, Martins Spurge is prized for its sculptural foliage and garden resilience.

Miners Merlot and Tiny Tim

Colour Me Merlot - The burgundy tones emerging in paint colour trends for 2026 reflect a return to nature and what feels real and grounded. New this summer, the Euphorbia Miners Merlot fits perfectly into this shift, bringing rich, fashion-forward colour to any patio. Tiny Tim - A compact version with blue-green foliage, Tiny Tim flowers slightly earlier than Merlot, making it a versatile option for layering colour throughout the season.

Growing is similar conditions to a succulent they like a well-drained soil and do best in full sun. Once established they are extremely tough and drought hardy but do need a protected spot in very frosty cold winter gardens. They have unusual flowers that look like green to a green yellow little disc that appear in bunches almost hiding the leaves away but making a spectacular show.

 

 

Diamond Baby’s Breath Euphorbia

Diamond Frost Euphorbia, released in 2008, has seen a full revival at Eckards, where it’s now known as Euphorbia Baby’s Breath. The Diamond series includes varieties such as Diamond Frost, Star, Ice, Tickled Pink, Diwali Showers, and Breathless. All produce delicate, lace-like flowers throughout summer and are collectively known as Baby’s Breath.

These Euphorbias are dainty, cascading, and excellent for filling gaps like a soft floral carpet. In my own garden, I planted them to spill over a bench in a tricky spot where nothing else lasted. They created a soft edge and spread beautifully into open spaces in the bed. The trailing habit of all Diamond varieties makes them ideal for hanging baskets, container edges, or as groundcovers where they can ramble in full sun to half sun.

 

 

Quick answers to Euphorbia FAQs

Q: Where do Euphorbias grow best?
A: In full sun to half shade - they love bright spots.

Q: Do they need much water?
A: Not at all. They’re drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

Q: Can I plant them in pots or baskets?
A: Yes! Their trailing habit is perfect for containers and hanging baskets.

Q: Are they frost-hardy?
A: Some varieties are tender. Protect them in heavy frost or plant in sheltered spots.

Q: Are they safe to touch?
A: Handle carefully - the sap can irritate skin and eyes.