Snowflake euphorbia: a winter showstopper
(Euphorbia leucocephala)
Few shrubs put on a winter display quite like Snowflake euphorbia. This rounded evergreen naturally forms a soft, billowing mound and, right now, its branches are smothered in tiny white flowers surrounded by delicate, lacy bracts. From a distance, the entire plant looks dusted in snow, hence the name.
Snowflake euphorbia thrives in full sun to light shade and a well-drained position. It grows 1.5 – 2m tall and 2 – 3m wide, and looks great massed along driveways, used as a flowering screen, and planted as a feature in mixed flower borders or large patio pots. Its pale, frosty glow brings welcome brightness to the winter garden.
Once flowering finishes and the plant briefly drops its leaves, give it a hard prune to maintain its shape and encourage fresh growth. The milky sap can irritate skin and eyes, so wear gloves and eye protection when pruning and wash off any sap immediately.
Snowflake euphorbia is in full bloom at garden centres right now, making it the perfect time to choose one and bring a touch of winter magic to your garden. If you’d like to learn more about growing euphorbias, Garden Clinic has a helpful guide.
Looking for more winter planting inspiration? Discover our top 5 veggies and flowers to plant now.
