Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascott Rainbow’

Spurge

The usual grey-green leaves of the hybrid are edged broadly with cream, a colour that continues up into the flowers.

But the really beautiful thing with this plant is the maroon tint that makes an appearance almost everywhere – the new growth at the tips of the stems, the stems themselves, the eye of the flower, giving a richly colourful combination.

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Origin: Australia, horticultural origin
Genus: Euphorbia
Species / Cultivar: x martinii var. 'Ascott Rainbow'
Common Name: Spurge
Synonym: Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Ascot Rainbow'

Plant Biography

The Euphorbias are one of the largest families of plants, present on all continents except Antarctica, with more than 2000 species and countless cultivars. Euphorbias prefers to grow in dry and rocky areas. It does not mind the salty terrains, making it a perfect plant for coastal gardens.

Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’ arose in Australia as a sport from the hybrid between Euphorbia characias and E. amygdaloides ‘Rubra’ selected for its bright leaf variegation.

The common name ‘spurge’ comes from Middle English/Old French due to the use of the plant’s sap as a purgative.

Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Ascott Rainbow'
Soil: Well drained
Soil that does not show much signs of moisture, either visibly or when handled.
Growth Rate: Fast
Expect to see prolific growth, especially during growing season.
Water Requirement: Low
Will grow in a drier position and is unlikely to need regular watering once established.
Maintenance: Low
Minimal skill or input needed beyond the basics, a very independent plant.
Situation: Full Sun to Part Shade
Enjoys direct sun most of the day, but tolerant of fewer sunlit hours or light dappling.
Eventual Height: 0.5 - 1.0m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 0.5 - 0.75m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Fully Hardy
Will survive unprotected outdoors in most areas of the UK, even in the harshest winters.
Habit: Evergreen
Always in leaf throughout the year. It won't lose all its leaves at any one time.
Lifecycle: Perennial
This plant is persistant and does not die off after flowering. It will return each season indefinitely, if provided with suitable growing conditions.
Care Size & Guidance

Care Size & Guidance

Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ is a tough plant that is easy to care for. It thrives in both average and dry conditions, making it a great choice for those hot summer months. And, because it’s drought tolerant, you don’t have to worry about watering it too often. Just give it a deep drink every now and then and it will be happy.

Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring or top dress with compost annually to help invigorate the new shoots and blooms.

As with all spurges, the sap in extremely irritant. Avoid contact with hands or eyes. It’s highly recommended to use gloves when handling.

Expert Tip

Plant in the middle of the border to take advantage of its ability to impart a splash of colour. Deadhead the plant as soon as the flowers have faded, as this will encourage more side shoots to grow.

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