How to prune euphorbias

Some evergreen euphorbias simply need to have their faded blooms cut back after flowering. Others, such as varieties of Euphorbia charcacias, have biennial stems, which need to be cut down to the ground after flowering. Deciduous types need to be cut down to the ground in autumn.

Bear in mind that all euphorbias have a thick, milky sap that is an irritant to skin and eyes, so be sure to wear gloves when handling them.

More on growing euphorbias:

• Taking euphorbia cuttings (video)
• How to grow euphorbias
• Plant families: Euphorbiaceae

Here's our quick guide to pruning euphorbias.

Trim after flowering

Some evergreen euphorbias simply need a light prune after flowering. Once the acid-yellow bracts have turned completely brown, remove them, cutting back to the first ring of leaves below.

Varieties

• Euphorbia x pasteurii
• Euphorbia mellifera
• Euphorbia 'Redwing'
• Euphorbia 'Blackbird'
• Euphorbia amygdaloides

Cut back flowered stems to the ground

Some varieties produce biennial stems. This means that plants have two types of shoots: those from the previous season, on which the flowers appear, and this season's growth. Cut down the flowered stems down to ground level in late summer or autumn so that the new season's shoots will flower the following year.

Varieties

• Euphorbia characias subspecies and varieties
• Euphorbia myrsinites
• Euphorbia x martini
• Euphorbia rigida

Cut whole plant back to the ground in autumn

Herbaceous perennial types of euphorbia need deadheading after flowering. Then cut back the plant to the ground before the first frosts – it will reappear next year.

Varieties

• Euphorbia cyparissias
• Euphorbia dulcis 'Chameleon'
• Euphorbia epithymoides
• Euphorbia griffithii
• Euphorbia oblongata
• Euphorbia palustris
• Euphorbia schillingii
• Euphorbia sikkimensis
• Euphorbia villosa
• Euphorbia wallichii

Beware the irritant sap

Be careful not to get any euphorbia sap on your skin or in your eyes, as it is an irritant – be sure to wear gloves.