Winter damage

jbutts · #1 February 17th, 2009, 04:10 PM

I have two Euphorbias, not the giant shrub-type, but about 12" and 18" tall. I think one might be "Tiny Tim". Both are quite blackened, but the larger (not TT) has one new red tip, and the other just looks "not quite dead". My question is, can I cut these down to the ground so I'll get all new green growth?

Thanks,
J

**Ron B** · #2 February 17th, 2009, 05:39 PM

Cutting back will not cause new growth. Better to leave them alone and wait to see what they do when it warms up. After new tops are well underway the old stuff can be cut.

jbutts · #3 February 17th, 2009, 06:04 PM

But the new tips will be on the end of the old black-leaved stems. Or am I missing something...?

J

**K Baron** · #4 February 17th, 2009, 06:09 PM

I would hold off until late March, when the temperatures rise (which we sorely need here), and the new growth can be determined better by then.

jbutts · #5 February 17th, 2009, 06:18 PM

Thanks, Ron and Karen, I'll ignore the eyesore and put my pruners away.

J

**Ron B** · #6 February 19th, 2009, 09:10 AM

I'd expect most renewal to come from the crown rather than the tips.