One of my favourite signs that spring is on way is the sight of glaucous buds of euphorbia unfurling. One of the earliest perennials into growth, euphorbia (spurge) is renowned for its great foliage, strong structure and long season of interest. Vibrant modified leaves and bracts give the appearance of flowers, injecting freshness and bulk to otherwise sparse spring and summer plantings. Although lime/acid green is the classic colouring, an increasing number of red, orange and purple cultivars are now in use. Excellent, hardworking plants that deserve a place in every garden, there is a euphorbia to suit almost every situation.

1 With Poppies: Euphorbia x martini and Papaver commutatum

Compact hummocks of Euphorbia x martini repeat throughout this planting, their evergreen structure acting as a brilliant foil to a series of more ephemeral perennials. Here, large annual red poppies parade above green foliage, the buds of unopened flowers gently glowing as their downy hairs are backlit by the sun. Sow your poppies in situ now for flowers in early summer, and again in May for a second flush in early autumn. Follow with Potentilla ‘Gibson’s Scarlet’ and Hemerocallis ‘Stafford’, but keep the proportions balanced at a quarter red to three quarters green – the drama of such a strong colour can be lost if allowed to dominate. At 70cm high, Euphorbia x martini is half the height of Euphorbia characias — mainstay of the traditional herbaceous border – so is excellent for smaller gardens. Liable to flower at any season (even through winter), it tolerates light shade and is equally at home in the contemporary minimalist or cottage gravel garden.

2 With Fennel: Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Purpurea’ and Foeniculum vulgare

Daubs of acid inflorescence sing out against the dense, fluffy clouds of these young fennel leaves — drawing the eye to an interesting textural contrast. The deep mahogany leaves and stems of this wood spurge visually recede, transforming an otherwise Day-Glo scheme into one of fresh sophistication. As the dainty 50cm euphorbia begins to fade, the taller fennel takes up the theme, producing flat plates of yellow flowers in June/July. Complement this with the clean, upright, deep-purple Tulipa ‘Queen of the Night’ or Iris ‘Sable’ planted en masse.

3 With Hosta sieboldiana and Tellima grandiflora

The large leaves of the hostas make a bold accent among the complex spires of Tellima and euphorbia. At only 75cm x 90cm, Euphorbia griffithii is a compact filler, great for introducing early bulk in a border. A striking plant whose bright-orange bracts clash beautifully with its narrow red leaves, it thrives on heavier clay soil than most, remains compact in size and colours best in sun.

How to grow

Hardy euphorbias are robust and easy to grow, tending to be happiest in well-drained soil with some sun and some shelter. They require very little attention but if you cut down the flowering bracts in June, you are likely to get a second flush. Renew from cuttings every five years and remember to wear gloves when handling because the milky sap is poisonous and a skin irritant.

Suppliers: Euphorbias are now widely available in garden centres and nurseries. You can see national collections at University of Oxford Botanic Garden (01865 286690; www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk) and by appointment at Don’s Hardy Euphorbias, Sheffield, Yorks (01909 771366; www.euphorbias.co.uk).

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