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.
Common name: Snows of Kilimanjaro, Pascuita or Snow Flake
Botanic name: Euphorbia leucocephala. The species name leucocephala means white head.
‘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.
low maintenance gardens feature shrub clipped dense hedge as a screen pruned to a standard planted in a tub
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
waterlogging frost
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.