Euphorbias can be small trees to shrubs to ground covers, and many of them grow well in our environment, says gardening columnist JACKIE WARBURTON.
In general, the Euphorbias species is terrific to grow and can offer many really tough, drought-tolerant plants that are perfect for hot, Mediterranean gravel gardens.
One popular one is E Wullifeii, a short-lived perennial that must be deadheaded after flowering to prevent self-seeding. It’s grown for its grey foliage,
I like the burgundy foliage of E Blackbird as it is a great small shrub that creates medium height in the garden, and my new favourite is an orange-flowered Euphorbia called Griffithii Dixter, a must have for summer.
However, caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) can be seen in bushlands and should be removed as soon as it is found and before it has a chance to set seed.
There are many examples of this plant and other weeds from our region at the website canberra.naturemapr.org, which helps to identify what has been found.
MY indoor Euphorbias (Poinsettia and Millis) will get a top up of potting mix and compost in the next few weeks to encourage new growth when the weather warms.
All Euphorbias have sap in the stems that can be an irritant if rubbed on the skin, so try to wear gloves when handling these plants and dispose of the green waste in the green bin.
I AM going to try growing the New Zealand Christmas Tree (Metrosideros excelsa) this season.
Our soils are too cold to grow it in the ground, so I’m planting it in a large pot with native potting mix. It’s frost sensitive, so I’ll move the pot to the glasshouse during the cooler months.
They are of the Myrtaceae family and will only tolerate native potting mix, fertiliser and very good drainage. It flowers in the summer, around Christmas, with bright red flowers and, once established, can be an outdoor potted plant over time.
It goes well in coastal conditions and, in the ground, can grow into a low-maintenance, small tree with an interesting gnarly trunk and silver foliage that’s good for shade, too. Its bottlebrush-like flowers are highly attractive to bees.
JUST before spring’s a good time to divide perennials in the vegetable patch, such as asparagus, rhubarb and chives.
Asparagus crowns can be lifted and divided. As they prefer not to be disturbed, it might be a good idea to choose somewhere in the garden where they can slowly grow into a big clump for picking.
They prefer a sweet soil. A sprinkle of lime will raise the soil pH and get them growing well. They are only a few weeks from sprouting, so keep them mulched and weed free. Only harvest thick, short stems and eat within a few days of picking.
Rhubarb crowns can be divided into pieces with roots attached and replanted. It’s healthy to rejuvenate rhubarb every second year to keep it growing fast and promoting new growth.
It’s a hungry plant and will benefit from a heap of compost over the crown, ready for spring.
Chives are small bulbs clumped together. They can be pulled apart and planted throughout the herb, orchard and vegetable garden to help keep aphids away.
Keep watering any growing plants as cold weather and frosts can cause stress by drawing moisture from the soil.
Jottings
- Top up the berry patch with compost before spring growth begins.
- Finish pruning grapes and Kiwi fruit and mulch.
- Sow seeds of calendulas and zinnias for the vegetable patch.
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