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Snowflake
Euphorbia leucocephala
Other Common Names: Pasqua, white lace euphorbiaFamily: Euphorbiaceae
The popularity of Snowflake around Brisbane becomes obvious in winter when the shrubs produce their masses of white "flowers". This plant is in the same genus at the familiar poinsettia and the plants are similar in many ways.
Prune back hard at least once after flowering. However, it's important to stop pruning by the end of summer because it needs to prepare for the next winter's flowering.
Like its relative the Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), the lengthening nights of autumn signal the plant to initiate the production of flowers. If the darkness is interrupted during the critical period, flowering could be disturbed. Therefore, avoid planting Snowflake under streetlights, security lights etc.
The snowflake bush was covered in Get Results Gardening in the 24-03-2023 edition. Click on the banner below ☟ to learn how to get a free trial and learn more about gardening in Australia, especially subtropical SE QLD and NNSW. If you'd like to see the snowflake article, ask for a copy of the 24-03-2023 edition in your email message (Australian residents only, please).
Snowflake (Euphorbia leucocephala) in the landscape
Pictures to give you more of an idea of the size and shape that snowflake bushes can grow to and what they look like in and out of flower. Click for larger images.
