How to prune euphorbias (2024)

FAQs

How to prune Euphorbia ingens? ›

Cut off a healthy, unblemished stem end about 5-7 inches long. Use a clean razor blade or sterile sharp knife. Cuttings root best during the hotter times of the year. Take the cutting, and let it callus over (heal enough that it is no longer soft and moist) for a few days or so.

The idea is that you should cut down the growth of the previous season, on which the flowers form. Cut these back to the ground in the late summer or autumn but leave the present season's growth in place, as this will flower next year.

How to care for euphorbias. Euphorbias do not require feeding or special care as long as the growing conditions are right. It's a good idea to cut back flowering stems after the blooms have faded.

To prune, start by looking for any broken or dead branches and cutting them back to the plant's base. Next, cut off any branches that are growing in the wrong direction or are crossing over each other. You can also cut off the ends of the branches to make them grow more bushy.

Deciduous euphorbias (e.g., E. griffithii) can be cut to the ground in fall. Evergreens without biennial stems (e.g., E. mellifera) are tip pruned after flowering to remove only the spent inflorescences.

Euphorbia - Euphorbia is another wonderful foliage to add to your garden for cut flower bouquets, and while you can pinch to produce more stems, it's not necessary to do so.

The acaulescent types go dormant in autumn, so the whole of the plant can be cut back to the ground. All types can be deadheaded after flowering (photo above) if neatness is a factor.

A common problem facing such trigonas is that their shallow root system leads to structural instability, meaning that once the plant grows to a certain height, it can be at risk of falling over and making a mess!

What is the lifespan of a Euphorbia plant? ›

Short life span (3-4 years). This spurge with bright foliage grows quickly. The young shoots are orange-red, then the foliage turns green edged with bright yellow. Its pale green bloom is spectacular in spring until summer, then new shoots color again the end of the season.

Euphorbia Care:

How to prune euphorbia: Trim back any damaged stems in early spring to keep the plant tidy and heathy. Cut back euphorbia stems at the base immediately after bloom. Clip carefully, new shoots will likely be emerging that you want to keep in tact.

During the growing season, which is typically spring and summer, you can fertilize your Euphorbia once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant period in winter.

Deciduous euphorbias (e.g., E. griffithii) can be cut to the ground in fall. Evergreens without biennial stems (e.g., E. mellifera) are tip pruned after flowering to remove only the spent inflorescences.

Euphorbia, also known as spurges, is a genus of over 2000 different flowering plants. These plants contain a milky white sap that can be very irritating to the skin, eyes, and mouth. If someone is exposed to spurge sap, it is important to decontaminate the exposed area.

'Ascot Rainbow' typically does not need to be cut back after flowering. At the end of the season, it typically remains standing through the fall into early winter. It is one of the last perennials to go dormant. Cut it back in early spring before new shoots emerge for a better flowering performance.