Annual of the Week: Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost'

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Euphorbia is a genus in the family Euphorbiaceae; however, not all Euphorbia are equal.  Sometimes, the genes that support a plants demotion to weed status such as the ability to thrive in high heat and drought may be coaxed through hybridization to produce well-behaved, highly prized landscape plants.  Such is the case with Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost'.  This is a very tough plant that not only survives the dog-days of summer; but thrives!  All the while, the naturally mounded plants continue to be topped with clouds of delicate white flowers.

 

Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost'

 

I became acquainted with 'Diamond Frost' last season thanks to Steve Foltz (Director of Horticulture, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden).  They were trying it out in a boarder planting in a difficult site.  It was late July and the plants had been blooming all season - they continued to bloom until the end of the season.  Despite my best efforts, I could find no evidence of plant pests or diseases.  However, I have read that plants may be subject to root rot in poorly drained sites; you can't have everything!

 

This tough plant has a wide range of uses:  from mass landscape plantings, to boarders, to hanging baskets, to containers.  It can even be used as a houseplant.  Plants do not require heavy fertilization or attention with pruners or dead-heading.  If you're looking for a low-maintenance plant with high aesthetic returns, 'Diamond Frost' is a good choice.

 

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