Euphorbia or Milkwort at Digging Dog | Euphorbia characias, Euphorbia cyparissias, & Euphorbia griffithii

Named after Euphorbus, physician to the king of Mauritania, this robust, sun-loving genus includes the familiar Poinsettia and is over 1600 species strong. Most species have a poisonous milky sap and softly colored bracts that surround subtly defined flowers. Autumn watches their narrow green leaves turn shades of red, orange and yellow.

Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’

This choice Euphorbia hybrid between nicaeensis and seguieriana subsp. niciciana is relatively unknown. Crowned by yellow-green flower heads, the attractive, blue-gray linear foliage is densely arranged in a compact and bushy evergreen mound. A backdrop of Cistus ‘Little Gem’ with Geranium ‘Orion’ creates a pleasing contrast to its pale pointed leaves and glowing blooms.

Euphorbia ‘Canyon Gold’

A standout for its wine-colored new growth, bronzy purple foliage with red-hued leaf undersides and stocky red stems, this robust, low growing wulfenii hybrid boasts large, cylindrical, golden yellow flower heads. Try planting in a mixed border with Cistus ‘Snow White’ and Cynoglossum nervosum for spectacular concurrent blooms.

Euphorbia ‘Dean’s Hybrid’

We have Dean Dalton of Occidental, California to thank for discovering this brilliantly colored, marathon blooming Euphorbia. Electrifying billows painted in acid yellows envelope a dense green globelike mound of fine textured narrow foliage.

First staged in spring, followed by a rebloom from summer until nearly winter, the fantastic floral show eventually attains orange hues, further heightening its low growing understory. In addition to his untiring floriferous nature, ‘Dean’s Hybrid’ maintains a well mannered, carefree profile that looks downright extraordinary as a container subject, spotlighted atop a wall or by a staircase.

Euphorbia ‘Excalibur’

We are pleased to be able to offer this regal Euphorbia from England. Red-tinted young shoots add colorful accents, while the slender leaves have a prominent creamy midrib and are delicately rimmed in a deep velvety burgundy. Long lasting yellow bracts crown the stunning display. For a lively match, try planting ‘Excalibur’ with Geranium ‘Nimbus’.

Euphorbia ‘Helen Robinson’

From the robbiae side of the family, this choice, stalwart Euphorbia inherits its compact stature, shade tolerance, and handsome, stout rosettes of blunt-tipped, dark green leaves; the characias side contributes the good-sized chartreuse flower heads. In our garden, it acccompanies Anchusa with a carpet of Corydalis ‘Pere David’ skirting beneath.

Euphorbia ‘Jade Dragon’

Evoking images of viridescent dragon scales, the pointed, blue-green leaves create a compact, deer proof assemblage that’s infused with reddish purple tinges. This robust, tidy-looking Milkwort shoulders summer blooming chartreuse flower heads nearly one foot across. Consorts such as Panicum ‘Heavy Metal’ and Eupatorium ‘Gateway’ enhance its colorful hues.

Euphorbia ‘Royal Velvet’

Whorling around stout red-tinted stems, distinctively tailored velvetlike leaves emerge deep purplish red, then soften to a blue-green on top with plush rubescent shades below. Eight in. long flower spikes hold maroon-centered, glowing chartreuse flowers above the neat compact mound. A choice new evergreen hybrid between Euphorbia characias ‘Portuguese Velvet’ and Euphorbia x martinii ‘Red Martin’ that relishes good drainage, this must-have Euphorbia originated in Ernie and Marietta O’Byrne’s superb Eugene, Oregon garden.

Euphorbia characias ‘Portuguese Velvet’

Whorling around stout stems, a thickset gathering of handsome blue-gray foliage is uniquely softened by minute silver hairs. Copper burnished golden flowers and green bracts stage a glittery early spring appearance, especially when sited next to Erigeron ‘Sea Breeze’ and tussocks of Poa cita.

Euphorbia characias ‘Red Wing’

Perhaps more muted in color than a cardinal’s wing but still as captivating, this new cultivar is enlivened with red-tinged young growth and red floral buds held by reddish stems. All this rubescent coloring richly complements the handsome dark green foliage, and in late winter the profusion of radiant yellow-green bracts set its compact form aglow. Appealing year-round, ‘Red Wing’ can be paired with Omphalodes.

Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii

Distinctive and drought tolerant, this Euphorbia deserves to be used as a specimen. Its cylindrical flower heads are yellow-green and can reach 6 to 9 in. across and 9 in. high. Combine with an understory of Nepeta and Heuchera ‘Apple Blossom’, and enjoy the dynamic array of bloom color.

Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii ‘John Tomlinson’

A selection made from wild seed collected in the former Yugoslavia by the namesake, this charismatic Euphorbia is esteemed for its handsome compact profile and glowing yellow-green conical inflorescences. Large rounded and broad heads taper towards the base while housing crowded bell-shaped flowers.

With color that promises to exhilarate, ‘John Tomlinson’ unites swirls of waxy blue-gray leaves on green stems beneath dazzling, sunshine-bright blooms alongside warm-hued Isoplexis canariensis in our mixed border.

Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii John Tomlinson (P-1338)
Each $7.00
Add to Cart

Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii ‘Lambrook Gold’

This show-stopping spurge was bred into being by the late plantswoman Margery Fish. Large, glowingly yellow blooms have a bright, canary chroma that competes with the sun. Broad and bushy, its compact forest of erect stems is lined with slender gray-green leaves, relaxing downward in graceful arcs.

Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii Lambrook Gold (P-0996)
Each $7.00
Add to Cart

Euphorbia donii (Dixter Form)

Dwelling above 5000 ft. throughout the eastern Himalayas in forest clearings and grazed hillsides, this superb robust species sports olive-green foliage with a springtime rubescent blush and distinctive milky white midribs. Staunch, red-imbued clumping stems bolster summer blooming lime-yellow inflorescences. We spotted this unique form of Euphorbia donii at Christopher Lloyd’s Great Dixter years ago and have since enjoyed its cool-colored bracts swaying amid Sanguisorba ‘Red Thunder’ in our own garden.

Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fern Cottage’

Warm colors radiate from this vigorous seedling selection by Clive Jones, named in honor of the house he was living in at the time. Bronzy pink tips, colorful reddish stems and leaf margins, burnt orange flower bracts and magnificent fall color give ‘Fern Cottage’ a cheerful rosy glow through most of the season.

Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fireglow’

This bold native of the Himalayas and western Asia warms any rock garden and makes a magnificent companion to Corydalis f. ‘Blue Panda’ and Kerria ‘Albiflora’. ‘Fireglow’s flame orange bracts and brick-colored flowers stand torchlike on strong pomegranate red stems, and its soft green foliage blushes crimson and yellow in the fall.

Euphorbia griffithii ‘Great Dixter’

Renowned garden writer Christopher Lloyd, selected this Euphorbia for its sumptuous display of fiery hues. Heightened by purple coral shoots, reddish bronze stems, dark green foliage flushed with copper-red tints and burnt apricot-pink blooms, ‘Great Dixter’ seldom experiences a lackluster moment. The unforgettable brilliance that emanates from this superb, compact griffithii can be shown to great affect next to Brunnera ‘Langtrees’s soothing colors.

Euphorbia longifolia

Native to the mountain meadows and forest clearings of the Himalayas, this vigorous species is most notable for its upright stature and beautiful foliage, highlighted with white midveins and pinkish margins. Along with its big and bright chartreuse flowers, these colors make for a lovely combination with Nepeta ‘Pool Bank’, Miscanthus ‘Malepartus’ and Aster ‘Mönch’ in the perennial border.

Euphorbia mellifera

We first saw this evergreen Euphorbia at Sissinghurst; its native home is the Canary Islands. Shrublike and taller than its relatives, its smooth green stems are whorled by narrow, bright apple green leaves marked with prominent cream-hued midribs. The "honey-bearing" epithet foretells the ambrosial aroma of its intriguing flowers, which range in color from butter to terra-cotta.

Stately in a container, Euphorbia mellifera is not reliably hardy where winters are cold and wet.

Euphorbia myrsinites

Waxed silvery blue, evergreen leaves held in succulent spirals make this stalwart perennial appear otherwordly. In midwinter, its thick trailing stems grow upward, fashioning an 8 in. tall base for the starry, lime-green flowers and lemon-yellow bracts, which form large brilliant crowns, highlighted with pinkish streaks. A Eurasian native undaunted by cold, heat or drought, Euphorbia myrsinites brings an exotic flavor to a well drained site in the rockery or atop a dry stone wall. Zone 5/6.

Euphorbia polychroma ‘Candy’

A sweet melding of purplish new tips in spring, sulphur yellow flowers and narrow, curvy-edged leaves with a bluish tint creates an exceptionally tidy, low growing mound. A delectable addition to any border, pair this carefree, long-lived Euphorbia with Brunnera or Omphalodes.

Euphorbia rigida

Beware! The sculptural patterns created by these sharply pointed, powder blue, narrow leaves clasping pale green stems may leave you feeling mesmerized. Warmed with burgundy tinges as the weather cools, the fleshy, evergreen foliage bolsters acid green, rounded flower heads that remind us of miniature poinsettia blooms.

Claiming the Mediterranean from Portugal to South Africa as its homeland, this easy-to-grow toughie asks only for a dry, sunny spot, and in turn promises superb winter color in a container or in the garden amid small bulbs and Agave ‘Garland’s Gold’. Zone 7/8.

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DIGGING DOG NURSERY Specials & Events

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A VALENTINE GIFT THAT GROWS ON YOU!

Choose from a stunning collection of

PINK, PURPLE or WHITE BLOOMING PLANTS

from Digging Dog Nursery!

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GREAT VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS

~~SPECIAL VALENTINE OFFERS FROM THE DIGGING DOGS~~

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~ 15% Discount on $100 or more worth of plants that

are available now. Orders must be shipped no later than March 2nd

to be eligible for the discount!

~ 10% Discount on Gift Certificates of $100 or more.

$100 worth of plants for only $90!

(don't forget one for yourself--cash it in on your Spring order!)

Use code: ”Valentines2010”

& place in the “comment” box on the online order form.

Sale runs from now through February 27, 2010!

*** Plant orders must be received no later than February 6th

to be delivered by February 14! ***

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Gift Wrapping for Selected Plants

Valentine’s Day Special Gift Wrap:

If you'd like to select 3 or more of the plants mentioned in Deborah’s Diary, below, to be sent as a Valentine's Gift, we'll wrap them in silver paper with red ribbon and pack them with a sprinkling of festive red shredded paper. A gift card by Marsha Mello will also be included. Just put "Valentine 2010" in the “comment“ box on the online mail order form, along with the sentiment you'd like us to include.

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DEBORAH’S DIARY:

FOR A COLORFUL VALENTINE’S HOLIDAY

Valentine’s Day is a great holiday for remembering those we love near and far. We hope you'll peruse our selection of intriguing plants. They can be nurtured indoors and then planted in the garden as soon as the frost has disappeared. Next year on Valentine’s Day, your loved ones will still be enjoying this exquisite gift that will keep on growing.

PERENNIALS

Cyclamen

These versatile, easy to grow perennials make an appearance for Valentine’s Day with marbled foliage and dramatic blossoms. After pointed buds rise from established tubers, glorious blooms, composed of five reflexing petals, emerge. Clusters of lustrous heart-shaped leaves etched with pewter, persist all winter, dying back in late spring. Fanciful, pretty-in-pink flowers dress up Cyclamen hederifolium ‘Rose Pearls’s marbled, glistening greenery. Interplant with white-blooming Cyclamen hederifolium ‘White Pearls’ for a marvelous vignette. Blooms from October through November, grows to eight inches and is hardy to Zone 5.

Pulmonaria

One of the earliest plants to bloom, the urn shaped flowers can be picked in February. Easy-to-grow Pulmonarias prefer cool, moist soil. A refined inspiration for those shady spots, Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ will make a great Valentine’s gift. Periwinkle blue flowers that fade with shades of pink stand up to 8 inches above handsome, evenly silver-blotched foliage. Planted en masse, it forms a noninvasive ground cover in a shaded rock garden. Blooms mid-February through May and is hardy to Zone 4.

Bergenia

Bergenia’s are known for the fine, firm foliage mass and Saxifrage-like, waxy flowers that justify their presence in the garden. Great, glossy and nearly evergreen leaves are a handsome backdrop for dense heads of lovely spring blooms that rise on stalwart, red-tinted stems. In winter the leaves become tinged with burgundy, perfect for a Valentine’s remembrance. Bergenia endures neglect, poor soil and some drought. We suggest Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’, distinguished for the pure white color of its mature blossoms, its amazing floriferous nature, and leafy robustness. It blooms from April through May and stands 12-15 inches tall and is hardy to Zone 4.

Eucomis

Eucomis belongs to the Lily family and calls tropical southern Africa its home. Pineapple Lily prefers warm, sunny nooks with mulched, well drained soil and protection from excessive winter cold and moisture. In colder areas, Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ makes an excellent plant for a favorite container. The burgundy-red, semierect rosette of strapping, waxy leaves appears more green as the weather warms. Crowned by a pineapple-like cluster of leaves, the densely set starry flowers populate thick, cylindrical maroon spikes. The purple blossoms display unique greenish tones adding dramatic highlights to arrangements. It blooms from late July through September, grows over two feet tall and is hardy to Zone 8.

Allium

Alliums or ‘Ornamental Onions’ are embellished versions of the common culinary bulbs. Prospering in a sunny, well drained site, these pest resistant Alliums add flair to the garden, a cherished container, or an arrangement and can be attractive either fresh or dried. Allium schubertii evokes the energy of a bursting firecracker as some 200 miniature star-styled florets top stiff pedicels, shooting out in different lengths from the flower's center. Spidery globes--enormous, loosely arranged lilac-pink wonders--measure at least a foot across. Blooming from May through June, it grows to eighteen inches tall and is hardy to Zone 5.

Thymus

Planted in the herb garden or around and between stepping stones, Thymes love sun and well drained soil, and can even tolerate a dose of wind and salt spray. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, delicately textured Thymus ‘Pink Chintz’ fashions a fresh pink blanket of bloom and small grayish green leaves. ‘Pink Chintz’ is one of the first Thymes to flower, blooming from May through July, it grows only 1 to 2 inches tall and is hardy to Zone 5. Another fantastic Thyme is Thymus praecox ssp. arcticus ‘Albus’ commonly known as ‘White Creeping Thyme.’ The elfin-sized army of bright green, rounded leaves and thin, straw-colored stems weave a springy evergreen mass. Petite white flowers form a thick summertime icing when they bloom from July through August. Staying low, only about two inches, it’s hardy to Zone 5. Consider Thymus serpyllum ‘Minor’, whose tiny miniature leaves comprise a snug, carpet-like hummock. Remarkably rugged, the gray-green overlapping foliage can endure some foot traffic and hot, dry conditions. Lavender-pink flowers peek from the fine textured, soft-looking clump. Blooms July through August, grows to three inches and is hardy to Zone 4.

Salvia

Sage, was thought, in ancient times, to perpetuate good health. The following tender cultivars make stellar container candidates in cold winter areas. Salvia involucrata ‘Hidalgo’ loves full sun and is known as the ‘Roseleaf Sage’. Large, rounded, dusky magenta buds cluster at stem tips and open into brilliant pink, fuzzy tubular flowers toned down by deep purple calyxes. Dark green leaves are arranged in pairs and complement red petioles on strong straight stalks. Revered by hummingbirds, this bushy Salvia grows up to four feet, it’s hardy to Zones 8/9 and blooms from August through mid-October. Equally attractive, Salvia microphylla ‘Dennis’ Pink’ is touted as one of the best pink-colored microphyllas. These good-sized flowers are a full-bodied fuchsia pink. Freely borne blooms feature dark charcoal-tinged calyxes, hooded upper petals and prominent lower lips illuminated by singular white splotches. The long lasting display energizes a bushy mass of wiry stems and green finely toothed leaves that remain root-hardy through chilly winters. Hardy to Zone 8.

GRASSES

Carex

Offering a sea of striking blue, Carnation-like foliage, Carex flacca (glauca) is a versatile ornamental grass that can take full sun or partial shade. Narrow blades create a noninvasive, slowly spreading mass. Purple-black spikes appear to float just above the solid, flowering stems. Easy to establish, Carex flacca tolerates drought and adapts to an array of growing conditions. Blooming from May through June and standing up to 15 inches, it’s hardy to Zone 4.

SHRUBS

Erica’s

Also known as ³Heaths², Ericas have fine, short, needle-like evergreen leaves with tiny, urn-shaped flowers. Mos floriferous in winter and early spring, these four Ericas make perfect combination of pinks, purples and whites for Valentine’s Day gift giving. Erica carnea ‘Springwood Pink’ sports clear pink flowers engulfing the forest green foliage, followed by vigorous spring growth that sprouts bright bronze. Erica carnea ‘Vivelli’ brings carmine red flowers covering a low spreading form. Its deep green, summer foliage bronzes after the first frost. The Erica mediterranea ‘W. T. Rackliff’ has pristine white flowers that stand out against the dee green foliage, which clumps to an almost spherical mound. Erica x darleyensis ‘Margaret Porter’s dainty lilac urns embellish attractive mid-green needles that comprise a low spreading form.

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HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FROM THE DIGGING DOGS

Can you even believe it?! It’s almost Valentine’s Day and we’re expected to welcome our new sisters. There are now THREE cats running around our beautiful nursery! How could they? It wasn’t bad enough that “Clause” showed up last Christmas for ‘mouse patrol’, but Zoe had to go out and find two kittens. Clause is none too happy about the situation, either. Guess we’ll just have to get out to the gardens and do some more digging…that’ll remind Deborah & Gary who’s really top dog around this place. Oh, by the way, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Diggings!

Neptune, Briella & Maya, The Digging Dogs & Clause, Olivia & Parker (the annoying cats!)

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~ ~ DIGGING DOG NURSERY'S 2010 CATALOG is in the mail!

(If you are on our mailing list and don't receive it soon, or you want to

order our catalog ($4), you can do so at this web site or call 707-937-1130)

~ ~ SUMMER & FALL PLANT SALES 2010 ~ ~

July 9, 10 & 11 and

October 8, 9 & 10

Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

~ ~ SATURDAY STROLLS 2010 ~ ~

Informative walks through the Nursery & Nursery gardens

with Gary Ratway, Deborah Whigham and/or Nursery staff

twice a month on alternate Saturdays - June through October.

- dates to be announced -

GARDEN CLUB NEWS

We are now offering special accommodations for garden clubs, master gardeners and any other educational groups.

Set against a majestic backdrop of towering redwoods, our 1.5 acre, family-owned Nursery includes

9 greenhouses, a large outdoor growing area, exquisitely planted borders, hedgerows, a new kitchen garden and more.

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~~We'll provide tea, coffee and water and an inspired setting for a luncheon.

Bring your own lunch, or we can arrange for a catered meal.

~~If you would like to spend more time on our beautiful coast,

we'll assist you in selecting your lodging.

~~We'll be happy to give your group a guided tour of the Nursery and

surrounding plantings that is tailored to your specific interests and needs.

LECTURES BY DEBORAH WHIGHAM

Horticurturalist and Digging Dog co-owner, Deborah Whigham,

is available to travel to your club meeting

for a talk and slide show on garden topics such as

drought resistant plants and “Off Season Interest in Your Garden.”

Deborah has lectured at the Luther Burbank Garden Center, Livermore Gardening Club,

the Garden Club of Palo Alto, Marin Master Gardeners,

the Shepherd Garden & Art Center, the Modesto Garden Club and others.

To inquire about fees and arrangements, call Deborah at (707) 937-1235.

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Icons:

Catalog

Digging Dog Nursery

Euphorbia (Milkwort)
at Digging Dog

Including Euphorbia characias, Euphorbia cyparissias, & Euphorbia griffithii

Euphorbia

Milkwort

Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’

Euphorbia ‘Canyon Gold’

Euphorbia ‘Dean’s Hybrid’

Euphorbia ‘Excalibur’

Euphorbia ‘Helen Robinson’

Euphorbia ‘Jade Dragon’

Euphorbia ‘Royal Velvet’

Euphorbia characias ‘Portuguese Velvet’

Euphorbia characias ‘Red Wing’

Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii

Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii ‘John Tomlinson’

Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii ‘Lambrook Gold’

Euphorbia donii (Dixter Form)

Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fern Cottage’

Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fireglow’

Euphorbia griffithii ‘Great Dixter’

Euphorbia longifolia

Euphorbia mellifera

Euphorbia myrsinites

Euphorbia polychroma ‘Candy’

Euphorbia rigida

Latest News

DIGGING DOG NURSERY Specials & Events

Customer Comment:

top of page

Icons:

Catalog

Digging Dog Nursery

Euphorbia (Milkwort)at Digging Dog

Including Euphorbia characias, Euphorbia cyparissias, & Euphorbia griffithii

Euphorbia

Milkwort

Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’

Euphorbia ‘Canyon Gold’

Euphorbia ‘Dean’s Hybrid’

Euphorbia ‘Excalibur’

Euphorbia ‘Helen Robinson’

Euphorbia ‘Jade Dragon’

Euphorbia ‘Royal Velvet’

Euphorbia characias ‘Portuguese Velvet’

Euphorbia characias ‘Red Wing’

Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii

Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii ‘John Tomlinson’

Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii ‘Lambrook Gold’

Euphorbia donii (Dixter Form)

Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fern Cottage’

Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fireglow’

Euphorbia griffithii ‘Great Dixter’

Euphorbia longifolia

Euphorbia mellifera

Euphorbia myrsinites

Euphorbia polychroma ‘Candy’

Euphorbia rigida

Latest News

DIGGING DOG NURSERY ***Specials & Events***

Customer Comment:

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Euphorbia (Milkwort)
at Digging Dog

DIGGING DOG NURSERY Specials & Events