Euphorbia griffithii Fern Cottage (Spurge)
Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fern Cottage’ is a vigorous rhizomatous perennial noted for its showy burnt orange flowers and red-tinged leaves. Emerging rich bronzy-red in spring, the foliage of narrow, lance-shaped leaves turns mid-green in summer before turning glowing yellow and orange in the fall.
Euphorbia griffithii 'Fern Cottage' is a vigorous rhizomatous perennial noted for its showy burnt orange flowers and red-tinged leaves. Emerging rich bronzy-red in spring, the foliage of narrow, lance-shaped leaves turns mid-green in summer before turning glowing yellow and orange in the fall. Borne on upright, reddish stems, vivid orange bracts, held in umbel-like clusters, appear in early summer, and continue for many weeks. They are excellent for cutting. Euphorbia griffithii 'Fern Cottage' deserves a place in every garden with damp soil.
- Forms a bushy, upright mound and typically grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). Clumps take a few years to settle in and develop to mature size.
- Remaining attractive during all its growing season, this remarkable plant is resilient to most pests and diseases, is deer and rabbit tolerant, and is easy to care for.
- This plant thrives in full sun or light shade in moist, well-drained soils. May be invasive on light soils
- Perfect for slopes, beds and borders, coastal gardens, or cottage gardens.
- Easily divided in early spring, every 4 to 5 years. Propagate by division in early spring or take basal cuttings in spring or early summer; dip cut surfaces in charcoal or lukewarm water to prevent bleeding.
- Cut back flowering shoots to ground level in late summer or fall
- All parts are highly toxic by ingestion.
- Native to the Himalayas and Western Asia.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4 – 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 2 – 9 |
Climate Zones | 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Euphorbia – Spurges |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24″ (60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |