Euphorbia mellifera

Description

Euphorbia mellifera is a really beautiful variety, often known as ‘Honey Spurge’ and for good reason.  As well as fabulous, zesty green evergreen foliage, large heads of orange-red-green-yellow flowers appear during summer which smell strongly of honey – the flowers are unusual but beautiful and they are loved by pollinators who frankly, need our help.  The flowers develop into large seedheads which when ripe, can be heard popping open! This is an excellent plant for the middle or back of a sunny to semi-shaded and free draining border – do make sure you give it ample space as it can reach up to 2m in height and spread – BUT – don’t be alarmed, you can hard prune your Euphorbia during spring to keep it to the size you desire. Do wear gloves and protect your skin and eyes when pruning as the milky white sap is an irritant; this shouldn’t deter you from affording one of these fabulous plants a position in your garden however!