The genus Euphorbiaceae includes about 2,000 species. Some varieties remain relatively small and are valued by garden lovers as an easy-care addition to the perennial border or rock garden. However, the plant is very vigorous and spreads quickly. As a result, it can become a real nuisance. The most widespread in our gardens is the sun spurge, which we would like to go into more detail here.
The sun spurge grows very quickly and crowds out other plants
description
- Annual, shallow-rooted herb
- Growth height: 10 to 35 centimeters
- Stem: Fleshy with usually only two opposite side branches
- Leaves: Smooth-edged, round, short stalk, bright green
- Flowers: Green-yellow with five-pointed cymes
- Flowering period: April - November
- Location: Sunny to semi-shady
- Substrate: Prefers humus and nutrient-rich soil
- Germination time: All year round, as soon as the temperatures are high enough
If the plant is injured, a sticky, slightly caustic juice flows out.
The hoe helps
The sun spurge hardly suppresses other ornamental plants, so that control is only necessary if the plant grows too extensively. Seed weeds such as spurge can also be weakened by regular hoeing of the bed so much that they do not even spread further.
Since the spurge is one of the flat-rooted plants, you can also simply weed the perennial mechanically.
When cultivating garden spurge, it is important to prevent seed production. Therefore, cut off the flowers before the seeds have fully developed. This prevents you from suddenly finding rampant spurge plants in garden corners or in the cracks in the pavement slabs.
Insect pasture and medicinal plant
Please keep in mind that spurge plants feed beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps,(22.99€) which in turn will decimate the aphids in your garden. It is therefore definitely worth giving the pretty perennials a place in the garden.
In naturopathy, the corrosive plant sap is used to combat warts and corns. However, it is better to leave the targeted application to a professional.
tips
All euphorbia species are poisonous. Since contact with the milky sap can lead to painful swelling, reddening of the skin and allergic reactions, you should definitely wear gloves when working on the plant.