Euphorbia mellifera

Also Known As

Honey Spurge

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 3'-7'
W: 2'-6'

planting zones

9a-11

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Euphorbia mellifera plant details

Euphorbia mellifera is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with chartreuse and green foliage. In spring and winter yellow flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Euphorbia mellifera

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: euphorbiaceae
Foliage: evergreen chartreuse and green
Mature size: 2 FT - 6 FT - wide, 3 FT - 7 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and winter
Uses: fragrant, tropical-looking, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Euphorbia mellifera

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

We first saw this evergreen Euphorbia at Sissinghurst; its native home is the Canary Islands. Shrublike and taller than its relatives, its smooth green stems are whorled by narrow, bright apple green leaves marked with prominent cream-hued midribs. The "honey-bearing" epithet foretells the ambrosial aroma of its intriguing flowers, which range in color from butter to terra-cotta. Stately in a container, Euphorbia mellifera is not reliably hardy where winters are cold and wet.

By: Digging Dog Nursery

Handsome, substantial & architectural, this rare & unusual, shrubby Euphorbia native to the Canary Islands, can be grown only by those of us lucky enough to live in temperate climates. Evergreen & ever-good-looking, it grows 3’-5’ tall & across with attractive, apple green leaves held in whorls, highlighted by a cream mid-rib. The butter yellow to terra cotta flowers are honey scented. An excellent foil to fancier bloomers, it also stands well alone as a specimen - something about it just glows. Below USDA zone 10, grow in a warm area of the garden. Well-drained soil.