E. palustris is exactly opposite E. myrsinites in soil preference. It likes a nice moist soil. The common names of Swamp Spurge or Marsh Spurge say it all. This one can live in a bog, although mine seems quite happy in a raised bed of good soil that benefits from almost daily watering.
This is one of the shrub substitutes. It dies back in winter, but new growth is straight and tall. Mine is close to four feet (120 cm) tall. This is a relative newcomer to my garden. It's been in place since the fall of 1997; this is the first year it's really shown its potential.
My admiration for this plant grows continually. I note that the stems become quite stout as the season progresses and remain remarkably upright, unlike E. characias, who wants to thrust spiraling arms out at odd angles...interesting, but space consuming.
Early this spring - late April, I think it was - I was delighted to see the first bloom. Bright, clear yellow flower heads emerged, seemingly overnight. The intense color lasted for nearly three weeks and then the central flower faded to buff orange, but the surrounding bracts remained showy for several more weeks. This photo was taken just after the initial flower fade, so you can see what I mean.
Unlike most of the species that I've got, this one's flowering stem doesn't die with the flower head. New stems form on each side of the head. This is another plus for this plant, since these new stems elongate after flowering and the spent flower heads recede from view. I still haven't cut them off and they aren't at all obtrusive. It seemed to billow out a bit on flowering, but I noted recently that it has righted itself to vertical again.
It did not set much seed, and what it did set, I missed gathering, but I will keep my eye out for seedlings, since this is definitely a "keeper" and one I'd like to have elsewhere in the garden.
Native to Europe, E. palustris is rated hardy from USDA zone 6 (some sources say 7) to 9, it will grow in full sun to shade. Mine gets about two hours of late morning sun. I've read that the dying foliage in fall can turn brilliant shades of cream, orange and crimson, but have not seen this on my plant. It may be a trait that shows up when the plant is in full sun. Even without a fall display, I'm enchanted with this plant. It makes a presence in the garden...try it!
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