Cutting back Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow

1634 Racine

Hi Everyone.  What an exciting time of year it is to see those first shoots emerging! 

Quick question on Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow.  It’s looked pretty good throughout the whole of winter.  Should I be cutting it back to the base now or should it just be left to its own devices?

Fairygirl

I just take off old heads on Euphorbias, and cut back, or remove, any stems which are a bit wayward or looking rough.
I don't usually do it at this time of year though - usually later in the year, like late summer. New growth and bracts are appearing just now for their spring appearance.

Does it not have new growth? Cutting back now would remove the emerging bracts.

1634 Racine

Hi @Fairygirl

This is how it looks at the moment.  There are some new shoots emerging at the base but the old flowering stems still look nice

Fairygirl

Yes - I'd just leave that for now if it was mine. If those longer stems look manky later on, you can take them off, or cut them back. The emerging ones will get bigger and stronger. It then keeps the plant bushy.
It's a bit like pruning larger shrubs - taking some stems back to the ground to encourage new growth from the base,  while leaving others in place so that the plant always looks good. Ultimately, if it all looks rough, you can take it right back. 

I'm sure you know the problem with the latex when you cut the stems though?

1634 Racine

ok thanks @Fairygirl

Yes I will have my gloves on if I do any cutting back