Product Description
Euphorbia x martinii 'Ascot Rainbow' PP20401
a/k/a Spurge
Narrow, grey-green leaves have a striking yellow edge. The foliage is topped by clusters of variegated cream, lime, and green flowers (bracts) in spring. In the cooler months, the foliage at the ends of the stems becomes flushed with shades of red, pink, and orange.
In cooler zones, Spurge grows well in full sun. In warmer regions, it is best sited in part shade, avoiding afternoon sun. It prefers average, well-drained soil. After flowering in spring, Spurge should be cut back. This will keep the plant more compact and prevent it from splitting in the center.
This plant would make a fabulous specimen in a brightly colored patio container and will undoubtedly add flair to the garden. As an added bonus, it is highly heat, drought and salt tolerant. Deer and rabbit resistant Use as border plants, containers, for cut flowers, and in mass plantings. Use caution and wear gloves when handling this plant; it is POISONOUS if eaten and the sap can be a skin and eye irritant.
Zones 5 to 9;
Full Sun to part shade.
Mature size 20 inch height, spreads 20 inches.
Flower Color: Multicolored
Foliage Color: Variegated
Low to Average Water Needs
Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Spring
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Drought Tolerant, Attractive Foliage, Salt Tolerant, Specimen, Focal Point
Euphorbia x martinii 'Ascot Rainbow', also known as Martin's Spurge, is a captivating evergreen subshrub that brings year-round interest to gardens. This hybrid spurge, first discovered growing in the wild in southern France , was discovered in Australia by David Glenn. It is a cross between Euphorbia characias (Mediterranean spurge) and Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Rubra' (wood spurge). The genus name Euphorbia likely honors Euphorbus, who was physician to the King of Mauretania. Noted for its vibrant foliage and unique flower bracts, 'Ascot Rainbow' was granted permanent garden worker status in the US and is a versatile plant that thrives in a variety of settings. It is not native to North America.
Distinctive Features 'Ascot Rainbow' forms a compact mound of rosettes with lance-shaped, gray-green leaves edged in golden yellow. The foliage is variegated with an unusual color pattern. In cooler months, the foliage takes on pink, red, and orange hues, adding a warm glow to the winter garden. It puts on a wonderful show of color in the winter when many other plants are dormant. One gardener observed that it was a "nice dark red beacon" during the winter months. In our location near Lake Michigan, where summer temperatures are a bit cooler, some of the pink coloring remained all summer long. No reversion was observed in trials. Reversion is when a plant reverts to the characteristics of its parent plants. From early to late spring, clusters of variegated flowers in shades of cream, lime, and green emerge, creating a striking contrast against the colorful foliage. These "flowers" are actually bracts, modified leaves that surround the true flowers. The bracts of 'Ascot Rainbow' are particularly showy, with green and yellow stripes and tiny red flowers at the center. 'Ascot Rainbow' has also been described as having white flowers , pink flowers , green flowers , and multicolored flowers. The flowers are upright and bloom from June through September.
This cultivar is an RHS Award of Merit Winner. It is deer and rabbit resistant and heat and drought tolerant. It is also salt tolerant. It has been noted that 'Ascot Rainbow' is a very pretty plant, but it has a strong, unpleasant odor. However, its beauty makes up for the smell.
Euphorbias have unique floral structures. The false-flower (cyathium) contains one female flower (just the pistil) surrounded by numerous male flowers (just the stamen) enclosed in a cup-shaped part (involucrum) which is supported by an often brightly colored, leaf-like structure (bracts). The modified leaf structures have the appearance of petals.
Growth Habit and Size This spurge typically grows in an upright, clump-forming habit. It has a compact growth habit and is considered a dwarf evergreen subshrub, maintaining its foliage throughout the year. It is a medium height plant that reaches a height and width of 20 inches. 'Ascot Rainbow' has a moderate growth rate and spreads slightly.
Care Requirements 'Ascot Rainbow' is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun to part shade. In warmer climates, afternoon shade is beneficial. It prefers well-drained soil and has low to average water needs. Once established, it is quite drought tolerant. It prefers a Mediterranean-type climate and may show some stress in hot and humid summers. It is very easy to grow in most any somewhat dry well-drained soil of average to even poor fertility and full sun to part shade. The more sun it receives, the fuller the plant will be. It tolerates poor soil.
- Soil Provide average, fast-draining soil and avoid excessive moisture. It prefers dry, average to sandy soil.
- Watering Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, water needs are low. It should be well watered and kept moist until established. During dry spells, give plants plenty of water to get them established in the ground for their first two growing seasons. Plants in containers need water to keep the compost from drying out completely; the goal is to keep the compost just damp.
- Fertilizing Feed in spring with an organic plant food.
- Pruning Pinch back stems in mid-season to promote a dense habit. Cut back flowering shoots to ground level in late summer or autumn. It typically does not need to be cut back after flowering. At the end of the season, it typically remains standing through the fall into early winter. It is one of the last perennials to go dormant. Cut it back in early spring before new shoots emerge for a better flowering performance. One gardener observed that after pruning the plant back to just a few inches in early spring, it bloomed very profusely.
- Overwintering In cooler zones (5b), provide protection from harsh winter extremes. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Other Care Mulching borders is always a good idea to keep weeds at bay and prevent water loss. Mulching could be done with gravel or organic matter. It may struggle in humidity. It has the best luck in containers or sandy soil with little to no additional water. It is best to plant these in spring or early summer, and preferably in a protected area (such as the South side of a building). One gardener observed that the plant survived its first winter in great shape and maintained a nice compact form with beautiful color in full sun without watering or fertilizing. Another gardener observed that only about 1/4 of the plant put out new growth in 2013. This was likely due to the specific conditions of that year.
Dynamic Accumulator 'Ascot Rainbow' is a dynamic accumulator of Boron. Dynamic accumulators are plants that have the ability to absorb unusually high amounts of minerals from the soil and store them in their leaves and stems. When the leaves decompose, they release these minerals back into the soil, making them available to other plants. This can be beneficial for improving soil fertility and plant health.
Hardiness Zones 'Ascot Rainbow' is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and climates. It has been noted that it survived a harsh south Michigan winter. It is considered "perennial" if planted within its preferred zone range. Perennials planted in the coldest zone listed are considered "tender perennials", and may not overwinter in a severe winter. It is not reliably winter hardy in USDA Zone 5, where it should be sited in protected locations with a root mulch.
Toxicity All parts of 'Ascot Rainbow' are toxic if ingested. The milky sap, characteristic of Euphorbias, can irritate skin and eyes. It is essential to wear gloves when handling this plant.
Garden Uses This versatile plant is a perfect addition to various garden settings:
- Beds and borders: Its colorful foliage and flowers add interest to mixed borders. It is extremely attractive when used as a focal point in the mixed border.
- Banks and slopes: 'Ascot Rainbow' can help stabilize soil and add color to slopes.
- Containers: It thrives in containers and adds a vibrant touch to patios and decks. It makes a brightly colored patio plant.
- Rock gardens: Its drought tolerance and compact habit make it well-suited for rock gardens. It is perfect for rock gardens.
- Coastal gardens: It tolerates salt spray, making it a good choice for coastal areas.
- Cottage gardens: Its informal, bushy growth habit blends well with cottage garden styles.
- City gardens: 'Ascot Rainbow' can brighten up urban spaces and tolerate city conditions.
- Mediterranean gardens: It is a good choice for a Mediterranean inspired garden style.
- Ground cover: It covers the ground and smothers the weeds.
- Accent plant: It is ideal for use as an accent or in groupings in garden beds and containers.
- Xeriscaping: It is a fine addition to the Xeriscape (low water needs). It is a xeriscaping plant.
- Specimen plant: It can be used as a specimen plant. It is a specimen focal point.
- Cut flower: It can be used as a cut flower or foliage.
- Winter interest: It provides winter interest.
- Butterfly garden: It is a butterfly attracting plant.
- Pollinator garden: It is a pollinator plant.
- Medicinal garden: It is a medicinal plant. It has been used traditionally to treat warts, skin cancers, and corns. However, it is important to note that the sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation.
- Protecting other plants: It is good at keeping gophers and other plant/bulb-eating critters out of the garden beds. The euphorbia does need to be planted close to the plants/bulbs you want to protect.
Companion Plants Consider pairing 'Ascot Rainbow' with these companion plants for a stunning display:
- Penstemon (Penstemon) : Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, is a genus of flowering plants native to North America. They are known for their beautiful, tubular flowers that come in a variety of colors. Penstemon and 'Ascot Rainbow' have similar growing requirements, preferring full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. They also complement each other aesthetically, with the vibrant colors of 'Ascot Rainbow' contrasting nicely with the softer hues of Penstemon.
- Sun Daisy (Osteospermum) : Osteospermum, commonly known as the African daisy, is a genus of flowering plants native to Africa. They are known for their daisy-like flowers that come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, purple, and orange. Sun daisies and 'Ascot Rainbow' both thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. The bright colors of the daisies create a cheerful contrast with the variegated foliage of 'Ascot Rainbow'.
- Sedum (Sedum) : Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a diverse genus of flowering plants known for their succulent leaves and drought tolerance. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Sedum and 'Ascot Rainbow' are both drought-tolerant and low-maintenance plants that prefer full sun. The contrasting textures of the succulent Sedum leaves and the finer foliage of 'Ascot Rainbow' create visual interest.
- Daylily (Hemerocallis) : Hemerocallis, commonly known as daylilies, are a genus of flowering plants known for their showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a wide range of colors. Daylilies and 'Ascot Rainbow' both thrive in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. The long blooming season of daylilies provides continuous color in the garden, while 'Ascot Rainbow' offers interesting foliage and texture.
- Yarrow (Achillea) : Achillea, commonly known as yarrow, is a genus of flowering plants known for their feathery foliage and flat-topped clusters of small flowers. Yarrow and 'Ascot Rainbow' both prefer full sun and well-drained soil. The delicate texture of yarrow complements the bolder foliage of 'Ascot Rainbow'.
Euphorbia x martinii 'Ascot Rainbow' is a rewarding plant for gardeners of all levels. Its striking variegated foliage, unique flowers, adaptability to various light conditions, and low-maintenance nature make it a standout in any garden. It thrives in a variety of settings, from borders and containers to rock gardens and xeriscapes. 'Ascot Rainbow' is hardy in USDA zones 5-9, but it may require some winter protection in colder zones. It is drought tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soil. With its vibrant colors and interesting textures, 'Ascot Rainbow' is sure to bring life and beauty to your garden throughout the year. Remember to wear gloves when handling this plant, as the milky sap can be a skin irritant.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
