Euphorbia mellifera (Canary spurge) — Bushy

Overview

Euphorbia mellifera is a bushy shrubs in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Euphorbia mellifera grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include gravel garden, rock garden, mediterranean climate plants and wildlife gardens. It is native to Madeira Island and Madeira.

About

Euphorbia mellifera, the Canary spurge or honey spurge, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae, native to Madeira and the Canary Islands. It is an evergreen shrub or tree growing to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) tall and broad, with narrow leaves up to 20 cm (8 in) long. In spring it produces brown, honey-scented flowers. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Mature plants reach roughly 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euphorbia mellifera

About the genus

Euphorbia is a large and diverse genus of flowering plants, commonly called spurge, in the family Euphorbiaceae.

Wikipedia contributors, "Euphorbia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euphorbia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Euphorbia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Euphorbia mellifera size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 1.5-2.5 metres
Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height: 5-10 years
Suggested uses: Gravel garden, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Native to: Madeira Island, Madeira
Fragrance: Honey-scented flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Euphorbia mellifera

Cultivation: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; suitable for Mediterranean climates and sheltered locations.
Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged growth.
Propagation: Division in spring
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Euphorbia mellifera?

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; suitable for Mediterranean climates and sheltered locations.

Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia mellifera?

Euphorbia mellifera prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Euphorbia mellifera need?

Euphorbia mellifera is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.