Hi can I ask what this shrub is please. As much as I like it, it is getting rather large & spreading some way. As it doesn't really die off, how do I prune it or indeed cut it back to a manageable plant. Thankyou
Looks like a euphorbia of some kind, someone clever will know which one. Take care if you're cutting it back, the sap is a skin irritant and can cause a nasty reaction for some. Cover up with long sleeves and wear gardening gloves.
Looks like Euphorbia Amygdaloides Var. Robbiae. They will spread if you have quite loose soil. Prune back after flowering and follow Kitty2's advice. To limit spread, you will need to dig the roots out.
Thanks Kitty 2. I remember watching a garden programme about euphorbia & saying to my hubby that I think we have that in the garden...... hence why I haven't touched it as yet. If you have seen any of my other posts, you will have probably noticed that we are VERY novice gardeners.
Thanks Borderline, I've been watching it since we moved in the house,.....am I right by saying that although it has a flowering season, it doesn't seem to look much different?? Can I move it once we cut back to a manageable size?
Linzi64uk, they are more or less evergreen but can get tatty in the winter time. You can cut back into the leaf areas to keep the plant looking fresh, but yes, it's more or less a mass of dark leaves throughout the year and in spring into summer, you see the lime green/yellow flowers/bracts.
You can move them after flowering, but if you want the whole plant removed from its old spot, you may need to dig deep and wide to make sure roots are completely taken out.
Thanks again Borderline. I'm thinking of trying to either move it or lose it so to speak as I have my young niece's over & am worried they may brush against it where it sits at the moment, it is at the side of the summer house which although in a corner can be accessed all round which as you can imagine is great for hide & seek games. Looks like I have a fair bit of digging to do😊
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Take care if you're cutting it back, the sap is a skin irritant and can cause a nasty reaction for some. Cover up with long sleeves and wear gardening gloves.
You can move them after flowering, but if you want the whole plant removed from its old spot, you may need to dig deep and wide to make sure roots are completely taken out.