Family Euphorbiaceae
Garden Origin.
- Rich red foliage flushes of foliage in summer, becoming purple/black in cooler temperatures.
- Bold lime-green domes of flower contrast brilliantly with the foliage.
- A bushy, compact, easy-to-grow evergreen shrub thriving in free-draining soil in full sun.
Miner’s Merlot in Your Garden
Richly coloured, dark wine-red new foliage makes a brilliant display at the tips of its vigorously growing stems. They are densely clustered and form an abundant, striking mound shape. Its red leaves mellow to dark green as they mature giving the plant an eye-catching 3D graduation of colour.
Domes of lime-green flowers contrast crazily with the beautifully dark foliage, driving any passing pollinator crazy too. Lasting from spring into summer, they form the peak of its display, which lasts all year. As the flowering stems finish a dense cluster of new vigorous growth appears at the centre of the plant.
The stunning cluster of new growth becomes purple/black in autumn, winter, and early spring. This exceptional foliage colouration is the darkest of all Euphorbias, making it one of the best colourful purple foliage plants available. This easy-to-grow, hardy perennial is suitable for all UK gardens, reaching 75cm high and wide in 2–5 years.
Growing Tips for Your Purple Spurge, Euphorbia ‘Miner’s Merlot’
- Soil and Sun: Plant in well-drained soil; full sun boosts colour.
- Planting: Set in spring; summer planting requires extra attention to watering. Plunge for 20 minutes to drench the root ball before planting. Do not add compost or improvers to soil.
- Watering: Moderate; tolerates dry spells once established. Water regularly in its first summer whilst rooting out.
- Pruning: Cut back faded stems in spring; wear gloves and eye protection to avoid its irritant milky sap.
Its exceptional, continual cycle of display, from red leaves, to lime-green flowers, and purple/black foliage is hard to match. It is adaptable to any style of garden but excels in Suffolk’s sun-baked, Mediterranean, and coastal gravel gardens. Perfect for pots, this exceptionally colourful purple foliage plant adds year-round interest to Norfolk’s patios and contemporary raised beds.
Planting Ideas for Miner’s Merlot
Make a mighty monochrome masterpiece. Take full advantage of ‘Miner’s Merlot’s darkness and add brilliant white around it. Add Euphorbia ‘Tasmanian Tiger’, Dianthus arenarius, Libertia chilensis, Tulbaghia ‘Fairy Star’ and ‘Silver Lace’, and Nepeta ‘Snowflake’ for stunning contrast. Back-up the black with Ophiopogon ‘Kokuryu’ and Oxalis ‘Black Velvet’.
Its dark colours, whether red in summer or black/purple at other times of year, make a great contrast. Mediterranean plants, spiky, and silver are set off perfectly by its colours and soft rounded form. The drama of Nolina nelsonii, Yucca glauca, Hesperoyucca whipplei, and Yucca baccata is enhanced by its palette and texture.
