Euphorbia mellifera is commonly known as the Canary spurge or Honey spurge in the family of Euphorbiaceae from Madeira and the Canary Islands, there are over 2000 species making it one of the largest genera of plants, commonly known as Spurges. The similar Euphorbia x pasteurii is a hybrid of
E- mellifera and E - stygiana.
It's pleasing to know the Conservation status is of the least concern.
At the Lakeside garden right on the very edge of Lake Windermere, I love the way this evergreen - semi evergreen specimen creates a real architectural feel against the Victorian style Conservatory.
This area forms a bit of a dry garden space covered in stone chippings which suits this genus of plants from dry conditions to moist well drained fertile soil, versatile growing conditions, growing in sun or shade, and hardy down to - 5 ° C. Performing as a great selection for seaside planting, the similarities growing near to the lake makes for an interesting comparison, but a sheltered tucked in spot to protect from the wind is favourable.
I've observed how this perennial responds in different gardens over the years. Sunny spots create a denser and more compact growth, whilst shady spots bring on a looser and taller performance.
Euphorbia mellifera holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. This stunning perennial can grow up to 2.5 metres, matching it with that width. It creates a great planting companion in this area once the Lobelia tupa from Chile takes off with its striking red flowers!
Then narrow leaves of E mellifera are approximately 20cm long comprising a white central vein. The interesting honey scented flowers in large, clustered cymes, bronze/ brown, red - orange, yellow flower from April - June. The flower morphology of Euphorbia mellifera makes it a great pollinator perennial. The flowers are rich in nectar and pollen and attract many butterfly species (although fewer to see) bees, hoverflies and also beetles.
Just look at the amazing stems, they're so dominant and eye catching! These sturdy upright stems are quite woody in reddish, brown, green at the base, becoming greener towards the terminal inflorescences.
I didn't prune this E mellifera this year in early spring to re start and rejuvenate new growth, I've trialled this before which is fine, but at the expense of this year’s flowers. Any pruning from this existing plant I will leave until after flowering to re shape it and support its growth for next year's flowers. As with many plants, it’s about trial and error, feeling your way, learning from experience and observation!
*** Important
Any pruning or cuttings of Euphorbia species should be undertaken wearing gloves to protect hands from the milky sap which is a skin irritant and effects individuals in varying degrees. I always wear thin latex gloves for cuttings.
I've undertaken hard pruning in winter on other Euphorbia mellifera in other gardens, but have witnessed new shoot stimulation killed by frosts, plus I feel generally happier from my experience pruning at whatever stage and objective from spring onwards. I mulch in the spring with a good mix of peat free compost and Strulch, the iron/ wheat straw mix.
Kevin Line is Head Gardener/ Horticulturist, Lakeside Hotel Garden. Cumbria.
*Kevin is an environmentalist who blogs / writes for communities for Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Friends of the Earth, Butterfly Conservation.
