Euphorbia myrsinites

An unusual plant, Euphorbia myrsinites resembles a cluster of elongated silvery-green fir cones, with pale silvery green scale-like leaves overlapping all the way along the prostrate stems. In early summer these have typical flat heads of yellow euphorbia flowers at the ends. Drought tolerant, it's a good plant to grow in a rock garden or in a hollow topped wall, but also thrives in any hot dry sunny situation where drainage is good and the soil does not stay wet in winter. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Grow Euphorbia myrsinites at the front of borders, in a gravel garden or bank. Its striking shape and texture make it a good winter patio plant.

Always wear gloves when working with euphorbias. The milky sap is a skin irritant.