Euphorbia leucocephala
‘Snow Flake’
Snow Flake is an interesting plant from Central America which puts on a terrific display of creamy white bracts during autumn and winter. Related to Poinsettia, Euphorbia leucocephala ‘Snow Flake’ is a classic low maintenance plant that would suit the average garden.
Plant details
Common name: Snows of Kilimanjaro, Pascuita or Snow Flake
Botanic name: Euphorbia leucocephala. The species name leucocephala means white head.
Varieties:
‘Snow Flake’ is from the original plant in Australia and has creamy white bracts. ‘Pink Finale’ has creamy white bracts which mature to pink.
Climate: Will grow in Sydney and Perth and areas north but not in frost zones. In cooler areas it is worth a try in a sheltered north-facing position.
Description: Woody shrub growing to 1.5-2m (5-6′) and 2-3m (6-10′) wide. Flowers in autumn and winter, from April to July and then loses its leaves for a short period. From spring it is green for the rest of the year.
Use:
low maintenance gardens feature shrub clipped dense hedge as a screen pruned to a standard planted in a tub
Likes:
well drained soil full sun to semi-shade heavy pruning after leaf drop and another light clip in early summer fertilising with slow release fertiliser after pruning
Dislikes:
waterlogging frost
Availability
Euphorbia leucocephala ‘Snow Flake’ is readily available from nurseries in the best climate areas except in Perth where it won’t be available until spring 1998. A 15cm (6") pot costs $6.50 to $8.
