Euphorbia dulcis Chameleon - Spurge

Euphorbia dulcis 'Chameleon', also known as Sweet Spurge, lives up to its name. It truly has a good character. It will grow in all well-drained soils, adapts to all its neighbours, and endures winter and even drought. Its dense cushion remains beautiful from April to November, displaying fine purple-burgundy foliage, turning bright violet in autumn. In late spring, it is adorned with yellow-green flowers marked with purple. This plant is undoubtedly one of the best dark-foliaged euphorbias. Ideal in full sun or partial shade.

Euphorbia dulcis 'Chameleon' is part of the vast Euphorbiaceae family. 'Chameleon' forms a rounded and regular clump, measuring 40cm (16in) in all directions. Its growth rate is quite slow. When the young foliage appears in spring, it displays the most intense brown-red colour in the world of euphorbias. It takes on vibrant violet shades in autumn. Flowering takes place from May to July, in the form of flowers without petals. The bracts and cyathia are marked yellow-green and purple, before turning violet in autumn. It will make many spontaneous sowings in well-drained or heavy soil, in full sun or in light shade.

Euphorbia dulcis 'Chameleon' is easy to establish in the garden, as long as the soil is well-drained. It will find its place in all perennial beds, forming a beautiful contrast with grey or silver foliage (Artemisia schmidtiana 'Nana', lavender 'Richard Gray', Cotula hispida), or with the white flowering of Filipendula hexapetala 'Plena', or Aster ericoides f. prostratus 'Snow flurry'.