Euphorbia 'Bon Fire'

Euphorbia 'Bon Fire': A Blaze of Colour Through the Seasons
Smouldering with colour from spring through fall, Euphorbia 'Bon Fire' is a dynamic, low-growing spurge that ignites the garden with foliage in fiery tones of red, orange, and deep burgundy. In spring, it bursts into bloom with glowing yellow bracts that hover above the foliage like sparks, while the vibrant leaves intensify in autumn, echoing the embers of a fading fire. Compact, drought-tolerant, and richly hued, it brings bold colour and crisp structure to borders, containers, and rock gardens alike.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 30–40 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming a dense, rounded mound
• Flower Colour: Bright yellow bracts in spring, fading to soft green
• Flowering Period: Mid to late spring
• Foliage: Deep burgundy with red, orange, and green tones; intensifies in cooler seasons
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; thrives in dry, poor, or rocky soils once established

Uses and Benefits: Euphorbia 'Bon Fire' is a versatile, eye-catching perennial that delivers vivid colour with minimal effort. Perfect for edging sunny borders, filling containers, or anchoring rock gardens, it provides multi-season appeal and structural contrast. The bright bracts attract early pollinators, while the foliage maintains interest throughout the year. Highly drought-tolerant, deer- and rabbit-resistant, and easy to maintain, it’s a go-to choice for low-water landscapes with high visual impact.

Companion Plants: Pair Euphorbia 'Bon Fire' with Sedum 'Blue Spruce', whose cool-toned, blue-green foliage provides a stunning contrast to Bon Fire’s warm reds and oranges. Add Thymus 'Coccineus', a mat-forming groundcover with bright pink blooms that echo the heat of the spurge’s palette and fill gaps with softness and fragrance. Finish the planting with Festuca 'Boulder Blue', whose icy-blue blades enhance the spurge’s form and create a year-round tapestry of colour and texture.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. Water during establishment, then sparingly thereafter, as Bon Fire is highly drought-tolerant. Prune back flower stems after blooming to maintain shape and encourage fresh foliage. Use gloves when handling, as the milky sap can be irritating to skin and eyes. Protect from excess winter moisture in poorly drained soils.

History: A cultivated selection of Euphorbia polychroma, 'Bon Fire' was bred for its exceptional foliage colour and compact habit. Its vivid seasonal tones and adaptability have made it a standout in dry, sunny gardens where reliable, colourful structure is key. Like other euphorbias, it belongs to a genus known for resilience, versatility, and striking bracts that rival flowers in beauty.

Final Thoughts: Bold, fiery, and fiercely resilient, Euphorbia 'Bon Fire' offers more than just spring colour—it delivers a full season of glowing foliage and garden drama. With its striking palette and easy-care nature, it brings warmth and contrast to any sun-drenched space. A true perennial spark that lights up the landscape from the first thaw to the final frost.