Like all Spurges, this one has poisonous white latex when its leaves, stem or roots are cut. So keep it away from little fingers.

It grows into a large plant quite quickly, flowering for one or two years and then dying. It does, however, produce lots of seeds and will self-seed. The flowers are produced on magnificent spikes and are visited by insects. The best place to grow it is in the herbaceous border, towards the back.

Looking Good:
Go to the Royal Horticultural Society's Garden at Hyde Hall, near Chelmsford, in April, to see the brightly coloured 'Lambrook Gold' variety growing in a rocky habitat.

Best With:
Try teaming it with Spanish Bluebells or Hellebores.