Euphorbia mellifera

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Honey spurgeShrub, EvergreenFamily: Euphorbiaceae

Height: 1.8mSpread: 1.8m
Frost hardy

Attractive to wildlife
Scented flowers

Flower colour:

Yellow

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade

Aspect:

East facing, south facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Back, middle

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Honey spurge, Euphorbia mellifera, is a handsome, semi-evergreen shrub native to Madeira and the Canary Islands. It has become a popular garden plant for its honey-scented summer flowers, which are popular with bees, attractive domed growth habit and waxy leaves.

Euphorbia mellifera can be grown in full sun or partial shade, and will vary in habit depending on the sunlight it receives. In full sun it will develop a denser, more compact shape and in shadier spots a looser and taller habit. It looks brilliant in growing in exotic borders or gravel gardens.

For best results, grow Euphorbia mellifera in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Poorly drained soils should be avoided. It can be pruned back hard in spring if it starts to get too leggy, but remember to wear gloves when pruning, as the milky white sap can irritate the skin and eyes. Euphorbia mellifera has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSowyesyesyesyesyes**yesPlantyesyesyesyesyes**yesFlowersyes**yesDivideyes**yesCut Backyes**yes

Euphorbia ‘mellifera’ and wildlife

Euphorbia ‘mellifera’ is known for attracting bees and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is not known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Euphorbia ‘mellifera’ poisonous?

Euphorbia ‘mellifera’ causes an upset stomach, irritates skin and is harmful if ingested. Its sap is toxic.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract Cats

Cats

Is known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is known to attract Horses

Horses

Is known to attract People

People

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock