Photo: Julie Anne Workman, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Griffith’s spurge: when and how to prune
Euphorbia griffithii
Griffith’s spurge is best pruned in March and November.
| Pruning months | March and November |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–July |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Griffith’s spurge: when to prune it?
Cut the stems down in November, after the autumn colour, or leave them standing and cut them away in March, before the new shoots appear.
Griffith’s spurge: how to prune it?
- Cut all old stems back to just above the ground.
- Wear gloves and mind your eyes: sap runs at once from every cut stem.
- Put the prunings on the compost heap or in the green waste bin, out of reach of children and animals.
- Wash your hands and your secateurs afterwards.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and November. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Griffith’s spurge flowers in May–July, when it attracts bees.
Caution: The sap irritates the skin and eyes. Wear gloves, do not touch your face and rinse at once with plenty of water if you get any on you. Griffith’s spurge is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Griffith’s spurge · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.