Euphorbia Ascott Rainbow

Description

Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ – variegated spurge

Botanical name: Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’
Common names: Spurge
Family: Euphorbiaceae (spurge family)
Plant type: Evergreen perennial or sub-shrub
Habit: Bushy, upright, mound-forming
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 50–60cm tall × 50cm spread
Foliage: Narrow leaves boldly variegated in grey-green, cream and lime, flushing pink, red and orange in cold weather; evergreen
Flowers: Showy heads of cream, lime-green and red-tinted flower bracts in spring and early summer (April–June)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained; poor to average; drought-tolerant; dislikes wet; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy, to about −15°C); USDA zones 5–9
Exposure: Open, sunny; drought-tolerant
Native range: Garden form; the genus is native to Europe and beyond
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Caution — the milky sap is a serious skin and eye irritant, and the plant is harmful if eaten; always wear gloves and eye protection when cutting

Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ is a striking evergreen spurge with cream-and-lime variegated foliage flushing red in winter, and showy lime-and-red flower bracts in spring. Superb year-round colour for sunny borders.

GardenAdvice notes

One of the most colourful of all euphorbias, ‘Ascot Rainbow’ has boldly variegated grey-green, cream and lime foliage that flushes with pink, red and orange as the weather turns cold, giving marvellous year-round interest. In spring it adds showy heads of cream, lime and red-tinted bracts. Evergreen, drought-tolerant and compact, it is a superb, hard-working plant for a sunny border, gravel garden or container.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade — euphorbias thrive on poor, dry soils and dislike rich, wet ground. Improve heavy soil with grit. Space appropriately for size. Water only while establishing; thereafter they are drought-tolerant.

Care & maintenance

Once the flowerheads fade, cut the flowered stems right down to the base of the plant, leaving the new non-flowering shoots to grow on and flower the following year — this keeps the plant tidy and vigorous. Water only while establishing. Crucially, always wear gloves, cover your arms and protect your eyes when cutting or handling euphorbia, as the milky sap is a serious irritant. Wash any sap off skin immediately.

Propagation

• Cuttings: Take softwood cuttings in spring, dipping the cut ends in water to stop the sap bleeding.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free in a sunny, well-drained spot. Its main enemy is wet, heavy soil. Euphorbia rust and aphids occasionally occur. Otherwise easy and reliable.

Uses in the garden

Superb in sunny, gravel and Mediterranean-style borders, containers and modern plantings, where its variegated evergreen foliage, winter colour and showy spring bracts give year-round value.

Wildlife value

The long-lasting flowerheads are attractive to bees, hoverflies and other pollinating insects, particularly valuable in spring when few other plants are in flower.

Toxicity & safety

All euphorbias exude a milky white sap when cut or damaged, which is a serious irritant — it can cause painful skin rashes and burns, and is especially dangerous if it gets in the eyes. Always wear gloves, cover your arms and protect your eyes when cutting or handling it, wash any sap off immediately, and keep it away from children and pets. The plant is also harmful if eaten.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Ascot Rainbow’ is one of the best value plants going — variegated cream-and-lime evergreen foliage all year, flushing red and orange in winter, plus showy spring bracts. Cut the flowered stems right down to the base once they fade, leaving the new shoots for next year. And do wear gloves and eye protection: the milky sap is a serious irritant.

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