My Euphorbia ‘Blackbird’ has been in place since 2007. At first, I was disappointed with it because it seemed to have reverted to plain green, losing the deep color for which it was named. Now, as you can see, it is back to earning its name.
Depending upon how the light hits it, it can take on different personalities.
Sometimes it looks almost pink, with droplets of dew refracting the light.
At a time of year when so much has gone dormant, the vigorous presence of ‘Blackbird’ is ever so welcome. The best profile I found was on the Fine Gardening site. Since I’m basically lazy, I’ll send you there to learn more about this satisfying plant. While I’m at it, let me send you to Danger Garden to see what Loree is most in love with this week. Don’t forget to check the comments for links to others’ favorites.
So, do you have the problem with euphorbias (this one or in general) getting the bare legs? Is that on year-old stems that have bloomed? Is it a cultivation issue such as uneven watering? I often see great-looking pictures that make me want to add euphorbias to my garden, but then I see such mangy looking real-life examples and I get scared off. Your “blackbird” pictures make it look so pretty! –Emily
Ah ha! Great minds think alike. I was torn between doing a profile on this plant and the Golden Tuffet that I choose for this weeks favorite plant. I am really enjoying mine right now too. The rich color and the way it gathers the dew is amazing. We could make a whole new category for plants that showcase dew drops 🙂
Oh, I love the dark-leaved Euphorbias too. They are wonderful in the winter, with raindrops or frost on them. Great choice!
Nice photos Ricki and you give me hope, since your plant has been around for 7 (gulp!) years! Mine only seem to last a year or two. Isn’t it nice to have such a dark fluffy plant looking good in the garden this time of year?
That’s a lovely one Ricki – might the differing weather conditions account for the changes in it’s colour?
I lost a few Euphorbia in the terrible wet conditions of 2012 and have yet to replace. One for my list I think.
I love Euphorbia Blackbird so much I bought three, then promptly killed them all. They are yet another reason for my Pacific NW envy – a gorgeous plant that does great where you are and horribly in North Carolina. So sad.
Emily~’Blackbird’ and ‘Ascot Rainbow’ are two that stay in nice clumps. ‘Portugese Velvet’ looks a lot like wulfenii but is less “leggy”, as you so aptly put it. Thanks for leaving a comment so I could track you back to your blog, which I consider a real find. See you there.
Jenni~That’s a category I could get behind.
Allison!Thanks!
Loree~Always glad when I can give some encouragement.
Angie~I was thinking that very thing about the weather…and it makes me less cross about the cold.
Sarah~You remind me to give thanks for where I live…but I’m sure you grow some things that would struggle here.
Oh yes, that’s a beauty! All the Euphorbias are lovely, it seems. A plant with winter interest is even better. Your photos show it off very well, too!
Beth~I keep working on the photography thing. Thanks for the words of encouragement.
I’m envious, I’ve tried this plant twice and it has died on both occasions. Your is perfect.
Christina~I guess it’s only fair, after I’ve been turning green over all the blooms you turn up this time of year.
I love this Euphorbia, especially in winter. It looks great with snowdrops. What great photos of it.
Chloris
Chloris~Snowdrops…what a fine idea.
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