Photo: User:Tigerente, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Sea spurge: when and how to prune
Euphorbia paralias
Sea spurge is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–October |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Sea spurge: when to prune it?
In March, if needed.
What else to prune in those months? March
Sea spurge: how to prune it?
- In March, cut old, withered or toppled stems off at the base; new shoots come from the woody base.
- Leave healthy, evergreen stems standing: they will flower later in the year.
- Cut off spent umbels if you do not want seedlings.
- Rinse your secateurs afterwards: the sap is sticky and irritating.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: The sap can spurt: wear gloves and protect your eyes.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Sea spurge · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.