Euphorbia need cutting?

Wildlifelover · May 2021

Morning,

The Euphorbia x martini Ascot Rainbow I have are starting to lose their erect nature, the flower stems slowly leaning to a 45 degree angle, making a more ‘open’ plant. A couple of flowering stems have completely fell over and snapped at the base.

Is this a sign the flowered stems need cutting or some more sinister? The plants were bought last autumn so this is the first year I’ve had them flower.

Many thanks.

Elfer · May 2021

I planted mine last year too and it has grown quite a bit, this is how it looked this morning. As you can see its flanked by a purpurea as well as grass which seem to be helping her stay more upright. Gardeners World article said that they can be used a ground cover which would indicate a ground hugging habit. Perhaps cutting the flowers after blooming might help or just plant something smaller as I have done to help it stay upright.

Borderline · May 2021

It may just be you have cats of something stamping over your plants, or your planting position may be too shady or the soil too rich. They can become floppy and unable to sustain their own weight if growing too fast.

Wildlifelover · May 2021

Thanks. Don’t think anything is trampling on them or it’s an issue with light. They get about 5 hours direct sun, most websites say it’s ok in full sun/part shade. Don’t think the soil is overly rich.

Heres a pic (don’t know why it’s upside down!) of one, up until a week or so ago, the flower stems were quite erect, now they’re pointing outwards.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/5c/4s0ap2e8keny.jpeg

Borderline · May 2021

Thanks for posting a photo. The growth points to fast excessive growth which tends to be rich soil or sudden warm temperatures. I can see it is a young plant and will need a few more years to beef up around the base, so by then your flower spikes may be more erect.

If it is newly planted (planted this spring), might need time to settle in and put down roots. The plant may have been growing in a more controlled environment before that and still adjusting to the natural garden conditions. As the plant matures, it will be more robust.

Wildlifelover · May 2021

This was planted last (early) autumn so survived all the winter, snow and frost we’ve had. The flowers have been present for a good three weeks at least.

I wouldn’t have thought the soil is too rich, how can I tell?

Should I remove the flower stems once the flowers are fading?

Any tips are much appreciated!

Thanks.

Borderline · May 2021

If they are flopping about you can definitely cut the stems down. The plant will concentrate on filling out at the bottom which is good.

Rich soils tend to be dark crumbly soil looking, or clay-based soils that have been enriched with multi-purpose compost. From the photo, I would say you have nice soil that can sometimes be troublesome for some types of plants causing them to grow too fast and then flop outwards.

These Euphorbias will like free draining soil with no feeding. This keeps them growing more stronger. Having said all that, your plant is still newly planted and will need a few more years to get going. I am sure by then, they will be more established with a good root system and able to sustain all the top growth.

Wildlifelover · May 2021

Many thanks. Do I cut the flowered stems right down to the base or just to where the flower stem has the bulk of foliage?

The soil is quite free draining as when I made the bed, I did add plenty of perlite to the top soil/peat free compost mix.

Hopefully then, a trim and time will keep them nice and upright!

Borderline · May 2021

You can cut them below leaves or just above the leaves. I cut below to keep them branching, but watch out for sap, so best wear gloves.

Euphorbia need cutting?

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