Find out what the propagation and garden teams have been up to this week.
Luminous euphorbias and the fabulous Great Dixter Spring Plant Fair
POSTED 8th April 2026
I've always been fond of spurges; there's one for almost every situation, whatever soil or aspect. See our blog HERE for how to grow them.
Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii is a particular favourite, illuminating the borders in the Gravel Garden with its zingy acid-yellow flowers right through spring. Once the flowers fade, we gather the seed for the nursery, then cut the spent stems back to the base, taking care not to damage the fresh, new shoots that will carry next year’s display. Throughout the year, their architectural form and glaucous foliage provide structure and create a handsome backdrop to perennials and grasses that emerge later in the season.
Euphorbia epithymoides and the low, sprawling E. myrsinites also flourish in well-drained soil. Both are excellent choices for smaller gardens or the front of the border, the latter looking superb spilling over the edge of low wall or trough.
Euphorbia palustris ‘Walenburg’s Glorie’ is noticeably brighter and slightly warmer in colour than the species E. palustris. We grow it near the ponds in the Water Garden, where it thrives. It prefers sun and a soil that retains some moisture, though it will also tolerate a shadier position and can cope with heavier soils.
E. palustris 'Walenburg's Glorie'
Beth on her 80th birthday next to E. palustris 'Walenburg's Glorie'
Good companions include the candelabra primulas, who’s tiers of colour sit beautifully alongside the cool blues of Iris sibirica. Astilbe, Alchemilla mollis, blue-leaved hosta and astrantia, all enjoy similar conditions. Later in the season the slender flower spikes of Bistorta amplexicaulis and tall blue wands of bog sage, Salvia uliginosa continue to bring colour and interest to the border.
Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fireglow’ is a vigorous, spreading perennial, eventually forming a thicket of erect stems. The striking orange colour is best balanced by a generous planting of fresh, leafy greens around it.
Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae is ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders or under trees, where it will run to form a useful groundcover.
Spurges produce a milky latex-like sap that can irritate skin and eye so it’s important to wear gloves – don’t rub your face - and protecting exposed skin whenever you’re pruning or handling the plant.
Great Dixter Spring Plant Fair 11th & 12th April 11am-4pm
Early morning on Saturday the 11th, Emily and I – joined by Mattie, our trainee - will set off with a van full of plants for the Great Dixter Spring Plant Fair, Northiam, Sussex. It’s a gathering that draws nurseries from all over the country – from local growers to Binny Plants and Cally Gardens, who make the long journey down from Scotland. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it great place to meet up with friends and fellow plant lovers. Most nurseries won’t be going home to restock, so if you’re hoping to get your hands on the special plants, Saturday is definitely the day to come.
The twice-yearly plant fair takes place in the little field just below Dixter’s nursery, and the entrance fee conveniently includes access to the garden.
Nurseries include Freckles and Flora (Henrietta trained here at Beth’s and now runs her own small nursery nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside); No Name Nursery; Plantsman’s Preference; Pelham Plants; Binny Plants and many more.
Read more about Great Dixter Spring Plant Fair HERE
The connection with Great Dixter - first kindled through the friendship of Beth Chatto and Christopher Lloyd – holds a very special place in our hearts.
We hope to see you there! You’ll find us between the Tea & Cake and the BBQ stall.
Åsa, Head Gardener
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