skip to main content

Gardening in Oz

Plant ID Request Small White Flower

11 years ago

Hi
Can someone identify this plant for me?
I know it is fast growing and spreads rapidly. Bought it for my mother for Mother's Day and it was flowering then.
She passed away just before Christmas and I have taken cuttings.
Just not sure how to care for it as I don't know what it is - although it appears to be quite hardy.
Sorry about the blurry shot...
Many Thanks
Sue

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

alisonoz_gw
11 years ago
Sue it's a form of Euphorbia. It's a tiny cultivar of
Euphorbia leucocephala
http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/euphorbia-leucocephala/#.VLoKL9KUddw

and I think it's known in the trade as "Diamond Frost " or similar

They can sucker, and they will die down over winter, when you can cut those canes right back and hopefully your plant will re-shoot in spring.

Euphorbias like those have a white, latex-like sap which is an irritant so be careful handling it and keep kids and animals away if poss.

Here is a link that might be useful: link
tropicbreezent
11 years ago
Now that you mention it, it does look similar to mine that I've known as Euphorbia "Snow Flakes". I was told it only lasts a few years and then needs replacement. Mine was on the property when I bought it, about 12 years ago. It flowers so densly you don't see the green leaves. Unlike what they say on the Burke's backyard link, mine would never lose all its leaves. Last year it started to look a bit spindly but this year it suddenly died. Guess now's the time for a replacement.
Related Discussions
Need ID: Small plant with small white or purple flowers
Q
Comments (2)
Scilla siberica, Siberian Squill and Puschkinia libanotica, Striped Squill.
...See More
Small tree with white flowers Please help ID
Q
Comments (10)
The pictured tree is in India, so is its mother. But the mother plant was from a cutting from someone who took it from around upstate NY. It thrives in India, so maybe its tropical. And was sold as an annual in NY. I thought it was Chionanthus virginicus as well. But yes I agree if you zoom into the white leaves they look different. Bromelia, I think you are right! Google images of Euphorbia leucocephala look very similar. The pictured tree seems to have thinner leaves but maybe a close different cultivar, or maybe just different growing conditions. Thanks everyone
...See More
2 plants, can anyone ID? - white flowers, purple flowers
Q
Comments (5)
Thanks for the ID, Tyrlych! Both "weeds" are nice looking plants. I had no idea that the Gibasis is a plant normally cultivated.
...See More
Need help ID'ing this plant with white flowers
Q
Comments (2)
Thanks for the feedback. After checking other photos and details for the plant I am sure you nailed it. In Michigan it is actually considered a Noxious weed and quite toxic to livestock, especially horses; in Europe it is considered an ornamental plant good for landscaping purposes so I guess I will still include it in my collection of wildflowers even though most people in Mich. might disagree.
...See More
suziq62
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks so much.
annie_____
11 years ago
just one thing... pls be careful with that sap. All the euphorbias have it and some are worse than others. I don't know about this one but I had a rather nasty experience with another variety of them and I'm now warning everyone BE CAREFUL!!
nighthawk0911
10 years ago
http://thewildpapaya.com/?product=euphorbia-leucocephala-little-white-christmas-shrubpascuita-tree

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Cephalanthus Occidentalis

By Falon Mihalic

Buttonbush is an adaptable woody shrub with delightful pincushion flowers

RED FOLIAGE Great Design Plant: 'Little Henry' Sweetspire

Small in stature but big on impact, this fuss-free shrub promises spring flowers, fiery fall color and good manners in the garden

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Gaura Lindheimeri

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Delicate, butterfly-shaped flowers ‘float’ above the foliage of this lovely, drought-tolerant perennial

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Feed Wildlife With Flowering Currant

Blossoms and berries make this plant irresistible to birds, bees and other critters — and a treat for the eyes too

GARDENING GUIDES Attract Thynnid Wasps With Summer-Flowering Native Plants

By Pollination Press LLC

These beneficial insects will hunt damaging beetle grubs in your lawn

CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANTS Great Design Plant: Asclepias Is Attractive to Monarch Butterflies

By Debbie Ballentine

Increase monarch butterfly populations in California by planting stunning native milkweeds

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Great Design Plant: Virginia Mountain Mint

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Watch a world of insects dine on this Midwest native, an easy bloomer that washes the garden (and your skin) in scents of cool mint

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Showers Bring Zephyranthes Flowers

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Plant zephyrlily bulbs now for lovely blooms amid grassy foliage in summer and fall

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Please Bumblebees by Planting Baptisia Lactea

By Pollination Press LLC

Plant wild white indigo in central and southeastern U.S. gardens for its large white flower heads and early-spring interest

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Osmorhiza Longistylis Provides Texture and Form

By Pollination Press LLC

Plant longstyle sweetroot in midwestern and eastern U.S. woodland gardens for its fern-like foliage and crisp white flowers

Sponsored