BIG EUPHORBIAS NEED TAMING

TALL euphorbias — especially e. characias will be carrying ugly, dead or dying stems from last winter. Those should be removed. Make your cut as close to the ground without damaging the base of the plant. Euphorbias exude an unpleasant and toxic latex at the point where the stem is cut. If you don’t wash that off your secateurs as soon as you’ve finished cutting, their blades will become sticky and unpleasant to use. Hot water and an old nail brush are helpful here. When they’re clean, wipe them. Leave your secateurs somewhere warm to dry. Finally, use mineral oil to lubricate the joint.