Euphorbia mellifera

Canary spurge

Originating from Madeira, this sub-shrub has proven reliably hardy in our garden for many years. 

With its imposing structure and honey fragrance it's one of our favourites. We grow it in slightly sheltered, partial shade. 

The long stems are stiff and erect with whorls of bright green leaves that have a white stripe down the centre. When fully grown it forms a dome shape and in spring is covered with small, honey-scented, bronze-tinted flowers. 

The overall effect is semi-tropical and quite exotic. The seed pods are large and tough exploding with a bang when dispersal time arrives.

Old, spent and withered stems can be cut down in either autumn or spring to make way for new growth. The milky sap is toxic and an irritant so use caution whilst handling. 

Photo: Blackstem Plants

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