I know. I've been away from this web space, but I'm back – just like a reliable perennial plant. Working in my garden this year, I am reminded that Euphorbia dulcis 'Chameleon' is one of my favourite plants. It is a little tender for my Zone 2-3 garden, so I am especially appreciative that this beauty made a healthy return after the hard winter we endured. Let me tell you why.
Euphorbia dulcis 'Chameleon' (also called Purple Spurge) PHOTO: There Blooms a Garden,
The open leaf structure formed on sturdy stems makes Euphorbia dulcis 'Chameleon' an airy, rather mysterious addition to a mixed border. The burgundy foliage is tinged with lime green, no doubt the characteristic that gave this cultivated variety its 'changeable' name. 'Chameleon' was developed in Europe – is grown for its foliage; its flowers are small and insignificant.
Like its tough green-yellow cousin Euphorbia polychroma, 'Chameleon' grows well in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. It produces its best purple leaf color in full sun. It tolerates poor soils that are somewhat dry; it does not thrive in extreme humidity.
I love to see this plant contrasted with the chartreuse foliage of Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea' (Golden Creeping Jenny) or the grey leaves of Artemisia ludoviciana 'Silver Queen' (Western mugwort 'Silver Queen'). It has an attractive way of blending within a border.
Like its tough green-yellow cousin Euphorbia polychroma, 'Chameleon' grows well in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. It produces its best purple leaf color in full sun. It tolerates poor soils that are somewhat dry; it does not thrive in extreme humidity.
I love to see this plant contrasted with the chartreuse foliage of Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea' (Golden Creeping Jenny) or the grey leaves of Artemisia ludoviciana 'Silver Queen' (Western mugwort 'Silver Queen'). It has an attractive way of blending within a border.
'Chameleon' with Artemisia ludoviciana 'Silver Queen' and red dwarf snapdragons PHOTO: There Blooms a Garden
Watch for this exceptional herbaceous perennial. It may take a little extra care, but I guarantee it will quickly become one of your favourite plants.
Cultivation details for Euphorbia dulcis 'Chameleon'
Height: 12-20 inches
Width: 12-20 inches
Zone: 4 – tender in the northern garden, but can endure winters with good mulch
Habit: Erect growth, spreads by rhizomes and self sows regularly
Flowers: Yellow; the true flowers are yellow-green and inconspicuous, appearing on showy bracts
Bloom time: Late spring
Tolerance: Deer tolerant
Of note: Milky sap in the stems can irritate skin and eyes and is mildly poisonous if ingested.
Summary adapted from Missouri Botanical Garden
Height: 12-20 inches
Width: 12-20 inches
Zone: 4 – tender in the northern garden, but can endure winters with good mulch
Habit: Erect growth, spreads by rhizomes and self sows regularly
Flowers: Yellow; the true flowers are yellow-green and inconspicuous, appearing on showy bracts
Bloom time: Late spring
Tolerance: Deer tolerant
Of note: Milky sap in the stems can irritate skin and eyes and is mildly poisonous if ingested.
Summary adapted from Missouri Botanical Garden
Did you know? ...
A rhizome is a horizontal, underground stem that typically sends out roots and shoots from its nodes.
Have you grown Euphorbia dulcis 'Chameleon'?
Share your experience with this plant in a comment.
A rhizome is a horizontal, underground stem that typically sends out roots and shoots from its nodes.
Have you grown Euphorbia dulcis 'Chameleon'?
Share your experience with this plant in a comment.
