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My birthday is the Ides of March. So perchance you’ll forgive my proclivity to ignore warnings. Have you ever fallen head over heels with a plant despite other gardeners’ cautions? Tis indeed the case with Fen’s Ruby Cypress Spurge. I’ve got it bad for this little guy. But honestly, this is no Bishop’s Weed. I have never had anything but gushing admiration. It looks fabulous almost year round, adds lush texture, and it provides such a great counterpoint to the other plants. And in the unlikely occasion it wears out its welcome, it yanks with alacrity.

E. 'Fen's Ruby' with Eucomis 'Sparkling Burgundy' and Canna musafolia 'Red'
E. ‘Fen’s Ruby’ with Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ and Canna musafolia ‘Red’

My Sparkling Burgundy Pineapple lilies got washed out looking this year. Have you had that happen? (Maybe fertilizer–which I never do. I just use compost.)

Fen's Ruby Cypress Spurge with Eucomis 'Sparkling Burgundy' and Canna musafolia 'Rubra'.
Closer, Fen’s Ruby Cypress Spurge with Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ and Canna musafolia ‘Red’.

See how nicely it mingles with other plants. No weeds under there.

Fen's Ruby Spruge mingles well with everyone.
Fen’s Ruby Spruge mingles well with everyone.

It’s a regular Norma Rae. Look how it unites its fellow plants.

I thought these were temporary, when starting this bed, but...
I thought these were temporary, when starting this bed, but…

And in bloom, it’s a thousand points of chartreuse lights.

Euphorbia cyparissias 'Fen's Ruby' in bloom.
Euphorbia cyparissias ‘Fen’s Ruby’ in bloom.

And I do declare, I positively need to flutter my fan when I set eyes on E. ‘Fen’s Ruby’ snuggled up against Farfugium friends.

Farfugiums and Disporum, with mini the understory Euphorbia.
Farfugiums and Disporum, with mini the understory Euphorbia.

and more

Good, right?
Good, right?

So there, I’ve said it. I love Euphorbia cyparissisas ‘Fen’s Ruby’. And you might too, if you only gave it a chance.

Cheers, y’all.