Euphorbia antisiphilitica (Candellila)

Botanical name

Euphorbia antisiphilitica

Other names

Candellila, Candelilla

Genus

Euphorbia Euphorbia

Species

E. antisiphilitica - E. antisiphilitica is a borderline hardy, clump-forming, succulent perennial with upright, leafless, cylindrical, waxy, grey-green stems and, from late winter into spring, tiny, cream flowers, red at the base.

Native to

Mexico, Southwestern United States

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Upright, Clump-forming

Toxicity

Sap causes severe skin irritation & severe eye pain, including temporary blindness that can last several days. All parts are highly toxic, possibly fatal, if ingested.

---

Colour

Flower

Cream in Spring; Cream in Winter

---

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Mealybugs

Specific diseases

Grey mould

General care

Pruning

Little to no pruning required.

Propagation

Sow seed as soon as ripe at 15-20C.

Propagation methods

Stem tip cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Seed

---

Monthly care advice

---

Where to grow

Euphorbia antisiphilitica (Candellila) will reach a height of 0.9m and a spread of 1.5m after 5-10 years.

Suggested uses

Low Maintenance, Indoor, Greenhouse, Drought Tolerant, Containers, Conservatory

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in 3 parts loam-based compost, 1 part grit in full light. Ventilate well. In growth, water sparingly & apply low-nitrogen liquid feed monthly; keep dry in winter. Outdoors, grow in well-drained soil in sheltered, sunny site. Protect from frost and winter wet.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor unheated (H2), Tender in frost (H3), Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Euphorbia antisiphilitica (Candellila)

Common pest name

grape ground pearl

Scientific pest name

Margarodes vitis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Main pathway; Vitis spp. plants for planting; already prohibited. However; further consideration of other pathways is required.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Euphorbia antisiphilitica (Candellila)

Common pest name

pink wax scale; red was scale; ruby wax scale

Scientific pest name

Ceroplastes rubens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Based on its biology and low potential impact continued action on this pest in the UK would not be considered appropriate. It is likely to be of more concern to southern Member States of the EU; as it is an economic pest of citrus.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Euphorbia antisiphilitica (Candellila)

Common pest name

cotton mealybug

Scientific pest name

Phenacoccus solenopsis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Watching brief for potential impact on tomato production in the Mediterranean. Other southern European countries likely to be more at risk. Precautionary action will be taken on findings on planting material to protect glasshouse crops and botanical gardens.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/