The appeal of simple white and yellow daisies is used here to create a charming combination with cypress spurge for the late spring garden. The acid yellow green bracts of cypress spurge’s flowerheads punctuate the yellow centers of dwarf camomille flowers while the foliage of the two plants contrasts in color. Summer interest is provided by the flower heads of cypress spurge that turn red and the lacy foliage of dwarf camomille. Cypress spurge grows aggressively and may wind its way in and around dwarf camomille. Grow this combination in full sun, dry to medium moist, well-drained soil.
Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias)
Cypress spurge is a fast growing herbaceous perennial that spreads by rhizomes and quickly forms a mat of bluish-green linear leaves. The flowerheads are made up of inconspicuous flowers and showy lime-green bracts. Like other Euphobias, cypress spurge has a milky sap that can cause skin irritation. Cypress spurge can be invasive but less aggressive cultivars are available such as ‘Fens Ruby’ that emerges with red leaves that turn blue green by the time the flowerheads appear.
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Bloom Time: Mid- to late spring
Size: 8-12” H x 12-18” W
Hardiness: Zones 4-8
Dwarf Camomille (Anthemis punctata)
With lacy aromatic silver foliage, dwarf camomille is an attractive mat forming, herbaceous perennial. The flowers are two inches across and produced on six inch stems above the foliage. A mid-summer shearing encourages reblooming and keeps the plants neat.
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Bloom Time: Late spring-early summer
Size: 6-9” H x 3’ W
Hardiness: Zones 5-8
