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Euphorbia pruning tips

longylonglongylong Posts: 54
in Plants
Hi All

Ive been asked to prune back the euphorbia in the picture below and wondered if anyone has any tips on them please?

I know the sap is irritant so will make sure i have gloves on but am looking for advice on how best to prune, how hardy are they for me to be able to reduce in height and best time to prune?

Thanks


Posts

  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053
    You cannot actually prune it back per se, only remove the whole stem back to the base. 
    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    hogweed is right, if it takes up to much space it's the wrong plant for the position


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/pruning-euphorbias/

    But it'll grow back bigger ... it's a big plant  :)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • longylonglongylong Posts: 54
    So around now would be the right time to cut it back to ground level ready for new stems to appear next spring? I've looked at the link but can't tell which variety of Euphorbia it is?

    Thanks
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    At the base, there will probably be young shoots. I cut off the old ones, leaving the younguns to develop.
    This is for the wulfineii (sp) tough as old boots variety. Other varieties might be more particular.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053
    Cut it back any time. They are normally as tough as old boots as @B3 says. But it will grow back just as big. Probably take the bull by the horns and replace it with something a bit smaller. 
    That picture looks quite tropical. Are you in the UK?

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • longylonglongylong Posts: 54
    hogweed said:
    Cut it back any time. They are normally as tough as old boots as @B3 says. But it will grow back just as big. Probably take the bull by the horns and replace it with something a bit smaller. 
    That picture looks quite tropical. Are you in the UK?

    Yes were down in Devon. I will ask the owners how they feel about it being cut back hard with the assurance it will grow back and go from there.

    Thanks for your help
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