I have just removed a row of Crown of Thorns plants; they are really not all that satisfying as an edge to a border or backdrop for as fence. I don't want to get rid of them altogether, though, I have some very nice large-bloomed varieties but am looking for a way to use these to better advantage while I am doing my front yard makeover. Any suggestions?

I'm not a fan of thorny plants in general, although those are really pretty! Do you have a spot where the neighbor's dog or cat, or the local raccoons come into your yard? I think a thorny barrier is the best possible use for Crown of Thorns.

Did you need a blood transfusion after digging up those puppies, Hetty? Having just done major surgery on a huge Bougie, I was definitely down a quart or two . . . and I was using a pole saw and long handled pruners, too!

No - we dig and then wait for them to fall over, and grab them by the roots!
I have no creatures that invade my yard. I'm really hoping for as aesthetically pleasing way of displaying them; on the edge of the driveway, which is where they were, they were hard to keep weed-free. But I'm shying away from putting them in pots (for now).

That first one is really pretty Hetty. Do you have a rock garden type area? I always think they look good planted around large rocks.

Funny you should say that because I've been playing with that idea. Might have to make more rock areas... see how many rocks I can get DH to move.....

I'm just jealous that you can plop them in the ground & have them growing. In pots up here so they can come indoors when it gets COLD out.

Speaking of pots, that's one of my random methods for finding a new spot for plants - keep it in a big pot for a while and try it out in new places until it 'sticks' somewhere that I really like it. Must admit some of my plants stay in those pots for a year or two . . .

Show us pictures of the new beds, please Hetty?

I will when I get them done!

I love love love my COT's. They bloom all summer, dont need much water. I do have a big problem now tho, they are WAY to tall and I am going to have to prune them for the first time. I am very scared of killing them, I really want to root the green one and one called cherry blossom. Mine are all in pots. I move them around to wherever I have a bare spot, as they are blooming machines. I do the same with daylilies and geraniums.

In my experience it is best to select the tallest stems and cut them as far back as you can. The cuttings can be rooted after they have calloused.

You know what you like then Hetti. I have no doubts you will settle your own queries. Love those plants!

I keep most of mine in pots and even have some in very large pots with other succulent type plants. They do well and the large flowering varieties (from Thailand, I think) are quite stunning.

Im going to cut mine back today, I hope its an OK time of the year to do so. I need to cut a good 24-36' back on the three tall ones. I got mine from a co-op ( grower has now passed), they were from Thailand...I love them, and cant find any more :confused:. I have one 'common' yellow one, I love it because it just grows wider, not taller, and blooms blooms blooms.

A happy update. My plants and the cuttings are starting to show new growth. Im beyond thrilled. I thought for sure since it got so cold the week after I did it, I had totally messed things up.
Thanks for the help!