Euphorbia meloformis
melon spurge
A tender, clump-forming, slow-growing succulent producing roughly spherical, leafless and spineless stems to 12.5cm (5in) in diameter with 8-12 vertical, angled ribs, variably marked with narrow, horizontal bands of green and purple-bronze. In spring and summer, greenish-yellow flowers emerge from the ribs near the top of the plant on stems which dry and remain persistent after flowering is over. Older plants can produce offsets from around their base.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Bronze Purple | Green Yellow | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Bronze Purple | Green Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green Bronze Purple | |||
| Winter | Green Bronze Purple |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets: IRRITANT to skin/eye, harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Euphorbia can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or succulents, with milky sap and small flowers held within cupped, often colourful bracts
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in well-drained soil, in full sun. to partial shade. See Euphorbia for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or from offsets
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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