Euphorbia × pasteurii

honey spurge

Euphorbiaceae

Garden hybrid (parent species from Madeira and the Azores)

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (strong)

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–10

Overview

Euphorbia x pasteurii is an evergreen shrub-like spurge, a hybrid between E. mellifera and E. stygiana, forming a rounded mound 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 m) tall and wide. The lance-shaped leaves are 4–7 inches (10–18 cm) long, dark green with a pale central midrib, and arranged in dense whorls along upright stems. In late spring the stem tips carry rounded clusters of bronze to honey-brown cyathia 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) across that release a strong honey scent. The true flowers are small and held within the bracts. All parts exude milky white latex when cut. Growth is rapid in mild climates, and the plant keeps its foliage through winter where temperatures stay above about 14°F (−10°C). Below that range the stems are damaged or killed to the base. The latex irritates skin and eyes and is toxic if eaten. In heavy, wet soil the roots are prone to rot, and the eventual width crowds smaller plants nearby.

Native Range

Euphorbia x pasteurii is a hybrid of garden origin and does not occur in the wild. Its parent species E. mellifera and E. stygiana are native to Madeira and the Azores, where they grow in laurel forest and on volcanic slopes.

Suggested Uses

Euphorbia x pasteurii is used in Mediterranean, gravel, and mixed border plantings for evergreen structure and spring fragrance, spaced 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) apart. It combines with drought-tolerant shrubs and grasses. The irritant latex and large size make it less suited to small beds or gardens with young children.

How to Identify

Identify it by upright stems lined with whorls of dark green, lance-shaped leaves 4–7 inches (10–18 cm) long, each with a pale midrib. In late spring it bears rounded bronze to honey-brown flower clusters that carry a strong honey fragrance. Broken stems release milky white latex, a marker of the genus Euphorbia spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height5' - 6'

Width/Spread5' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring

Flowering occurs in late spring, mainly May, with rounded clusters of bronze to honey-brown cyathia at the stem tips. The honey scent carries on warm, still days and draws bees. Small seed capsules form as the bracts fade.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bronze to honey-brown

Foliage Description

Dark green with pale midrib

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Euphorbia x pasteurii grows in full sun to light shade and well-drained soil of average fertility, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It tolerates drought once established and declines in heavy, wet soil where the roots rot. Shelter from cold wind helps in zones at the edge of its hardiness, as hard frost damages the evergreen stems. Watering is needed only during extended dry spells in the first season. The milky latex irritates skin and eyes and is toxic if swallowed. Cutting flowered stems to the base after bloom keeps the mound dense and makes room for new growth.

Pruning

Flowered stems can be cut to the base after the bracts fade, since each stem dies back once it has bloomed. New shoots from the crown replace them through the season. The cut stems ooze irritant latex that causes skin and eye irritation on contact.

Pruning Schedule

late springsummer