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Pruning Euphorbia Mellifera

NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
in Plants
Although my Mellifera has lots of new shoots at the base, the main stems are bare and leggy. Would cutting them back (wearing gloves!) encourage side shoots and a bushier plant, or would I just end up with shorter, bare stalks?
Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.

Posts

  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    Ps - forgot to post the pic:

    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • TheveggardenerTheveggardener Posts: 1,057

    Honey Spurge

    Euphorbia mellifera

    Common Name: Honey Spurge
    Genus: Euphorbia
    Species: mellifera
    Skill Level: Experienced
    Exposure: Full sun
    Hardiness: Half Hardy
    Soil type: Well-drained/light
    Height: 250cm
    Spread: 250cm
    Time to plant seeds: March to May 

    This evergreen shrub is highly valued for its attractive narrow green leaves with pale cream mid-ribs. Brownish, honey-scented flowers appear in late spring. Hardy in sheltered areas but needs protection from cold winds. Cut back to the ground before winter frosts.

    Looks good with:

    Phormium cookianum subsp. Hookeri 'Cream Delight'
    Phlomis fruticosa 
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I haven't got that particular one, but that's what I do with mine.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Misunderstood I meant cut stalks right off!
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    those long ones will be the first to flower, maybe even this year, they're very quick ti flower from seed


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • MarlorenaMarlorena Posts: 8,705
    edited March 2019
    Leave your plant alone Nollie, it needs no attention... those manky leaves will drop off later and the new shoots coming up will fill the plant out... just leave it to its own devices.   There is also no need to cut it to the ground, it is much hardier than previously thought, and has withstood -12 possibly -15C in my garden in East Anglia.. it does get some shelter from freezing wind but not too much - no trees here..

    At its best I allowed it to grow about 8 foot tall, but I like to start again with fresh seedlings after a few years..




    oh just to add, I also do as B3 says, and cut those flower stalks off sometime during the summer just above the next set of leaves,  otherwise that's it.. occasionally remove a dead stem...
    East Anglia, England
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    Thanks folks, so leave it alone to fill out and flower then cut off the flowers when they are over? Thats a beautiful specimen Marlorena. Mine was a 9cm pot planted out last May but I’m hoping it grows up like yours! I heard they can get out of hand after a few years...
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
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