This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: light, well-drained garden soil
• Rate of growth: fast growing
• Flowering period: June to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Stiff, dark green leaves edged orange-red are topped with bright brick-red summer flowers that gently fade to yellow in autumn before dying back. This fabulous spurge looks best as part of a vibrant planting scheme based on hot colours in a sunny border, or with bronze-tinted ornamental grasses. Given a moist, well-drained soil, it may need restricting, since it quickly forms small colonies.
  
  
• Garden care: In autumn cut back the faded flower stems, avoiding new ones. When working with spurges always wear gloves since the milky sap is poisonous and a potential skin irritant. Remove unwanted seedlings each spring as part of routine border maintenance.