I have several kinds of euphorbias in my landscape: tasmanian tiger (gorgeous!), red wing, polychromia, and a real plain one whose name I cannot remember. When am I supposed to cut them back? I have heard "after flowering" but they flowered in spring. Now it is fall (Oct) and there is all kinds of little tiny new growth at the base. Maybe I should cut it now? What do other people do?
When to cut back euphorbias?
I cut euphorbias off in spring, so as to enjoy the fall colour. If you do choose to cut them off while they are green, wear gloves and take some caution, as the sap is rather caustic and can cause blistering on the skin.
Cut 4 to 6 inches with a knife from the tip of a stem on the euphorbia plant. Place it in cold water immediately until the sap stops flowing, or briefly expose the end of the cutting to a flame to stop the flow.
LennysMom, were you asking about cutting these plants to the ground for winter or to control their size or other? MatthewWilliam has provided advice for how to treat the cuttings for use in bouquets.
I am wondering about cutting back for the winter. Because my plants all have lots of tiny new growth at the base, and then the older branches are quite long and a bit leggy. It is Nov. now and getting cold where I live. Should I do it now or wait till spring?
I generally leave anything that doesn't "melt" come cold weather. Anything that provides a bit of interest in the winter is great! Grasses, evergreens, rhodos, etc...all catch a bit of snow and sway in the wind. Euphorbia is a very tough plant - prune whenever you have the time; however, nipping it back a bit every so often after flowering will keep it compact. they get leggy if left to grow on their own for too long. The new growth at the base, if seen in the fall, is next year's growth getting ready.
(the old, leggy branches will usually break off at the base in the spring once they've died and dried out)
Post a Reply to this Thread
More Beginner Gardening Threads
-
Curling leaves, stunted growth of Impatiens
started by DeniseCT
last post by DeniseCTJan 26, 20261Jan 26, 2026 -
White fuzzy stems
started by joelcoqui
last post by joelcoquiJan 29, 20263Jan 29, 2026 -
What is this alien growth in my bed
started by joelcoqui
last post by joelcoquiOct 15, 20254Oct 15, 2025 -
Jobe\'s Fertilizer Spikes
started by Wally12
last post by Wally12Apr 02, 20262Apr 02, 2026 -
citrus reticulata tangerine somewhat hardy
started by drakekoefoed
last post by drakekoefoedApr 01, 20261Apr 01, 2026