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Euphorbia 'Helena White'

A thorny evergreen shrub or subshrub with thick, glossy dark green foliage and very spiny stems which helps it to clamber over other plants. Small white flowers with petal-like bracts and yellow centres appear in summer

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

10–20 years

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 metres

Chalk

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun

Aspect

East–facing or South–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Drought resistance

Yes

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

H1B

Botanical details

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
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: Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a mix of three parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost to one part grit in full light. Water sparingly when in growth applying a low nitrogen liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep dry in winter. See Euphorbia for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe at 15 to 20 °C or by cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Sub-tropical
Patio and container plants
Houseplants
Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 6

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.