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pruning euphorbia

Posted by Jan.ON 5b/6 (My Page) on
Mon, May 21, 12 at 12:57

I have euphorbia polychroma (cushion spurge), and have read to prune it back to about 4 inches after blooming. I have never done that, but it is beginning to become a bit too willing in my garden, and thought I might curb its enthusiasm a bit by pruning. Thoughts?
Jan


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: pruning euphorbia

Well, if you remove the flower heads before the seeds mature, it cuts down on self-sowing. At least that works with my Donkey Spurge.

One thing I learned from personal experience -- be EXTREMELY careful not to get the milky sap in your mouth, nose, and especially eyes. It burns badly -- bad enough that you would probably end up in the emergency room to get some relief. I didn't actually end up going to the ER, just rinsing my eye out for a long, long time and using OTC products, but believe me, had I had better insurance that would have paid for it, I would have.


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RE: pruning euphorbia

I just cut my polychroma back by half this morning. I don't make an effort to cut it back before it goes to seed. Self sowing has not been an issue with the several clumps of it I have. In fact I love the spring show it gives and would welcome a little self sowing.

Cutting back keeps it from flopping later and makes it a nice soft attractive clump of bluish green in the summer garden.


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