Euphorbia mellifera (Honey Spurge)

A tropical-looking and exotic shrub or small tree with outsized-leaves and masses of coral flowers in spring. Semi-evergreen plants, from Madeira and the Canary islands - commonly called ‘Canary Spurge’ - have an otherworldly quality common to things from out-of-the-way spots. A bit Jurassic, and very architectural in all of its various growth forms. If grown in full sun it will be more compact and naturally rounded. Quite dense and disciplined with a rounded shape. A more shady position results in an elegant open-centred plant with a branchy, airy kind of character. They can get a bit enthusiastic so if it gets too leggy, just cut back as hard as you like in the late spring/early summer for much denser growth. Bear in mind this might impact next year's flowers. Interestingly, if you want even more outlandish-sized leaves, the flower buds can be removed and this produces larger leaves and more growth. Caution when wielding the cutlass please: the white sap of Euphorbias can be irritating to the skin. Wear gloves. Can grow to 6ft x 6ft in 5 years.