Quick Guide: spring/summer, hardy, semi-shade, height: 60cm/24in, width: 90cm/3ft

The euphorbia family comprises a great many plants including annuals and shrubs. Among the evergreen perennials E. robbiae (above) is particularly attractive, with upright stems, whorls of dark green leaves and loose heads of lime-green flowers and bracts. It makes excellent ground cover under trees. Plants like euphorbias and alchemillas (see left) are invaluable elements in a garden design where patches of green are used as a foil for the bright colours of summer flowers. There are no named varieties of this species.

GROWING Set out Young plants in spring, in light, welldrained soil. While most evergreen euphorbias tolerate some shade, E. robbiae will thrive even in full shade. Exposed windy sites are not suitable. Remove flowerheads when the colour fades. Cut plants back in late summer to keep them bushy.

PROPAGATION Take 7.5cm/3in basal cuttings in spring and insert in a peat/sand mixture in a cold frame. Plant out when rooted. Divide established plants between autumn and spring.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Cold winds and frosts may damage young shoots.