Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’

May flowering

‘Ascot Rainbow’ Spurge (Euphorbia x martinii) is an herbaceous evergreen perennial which has shown to be remarkably winter hardy (USDA hardiness zones 5b-9).  This spurge is a relatively low maintenance perennial. This plant has both distinctive variegated flowers and foliage. Plant several spurges together for an awesome visual show.

Ascot Rainbow Spurge struts attractive bluish-green narrow foliage with distinctive yellow leaf edges. The foliage often develops a pinkish tinge in late fall. In spring beautiful clusters of showy chartreuse bracts that surround relatively insignificant true flowers, sit atop tall stems.

This spurge grows about 15-18 inches tall (up to 30 inches in flower) and a spread of 18 -24 inches across. Generally, old bloom stalks are removed as new vegetative growth begins in mid-spring. Fruits formed after flowering, but have no aesthetic significance. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground. Plants grow at a medium rate and, under ideal conditions, can prosper in its garden spot for 5 or more years. Extreme winter weather, abnormal for an area, can mar the showy foliage. Heavy wet snow can also break or splay the fleshy stems and foliage.

Spurges perform best in full sun to partial shade in either dry and moist soils as long as they’re well-drained. Feed at planting time and annually each spring with a slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote™ or Nutrikote™. Established plants are highly drought-tolerant, and are a excellent choice for xerophytic (dry) gardens in sandy soils. Spurges tolerate urban environs well. Utilize one or more in garden beds, containers, or rock gardens. Deer don’t particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Do not plant it around children and pets as the milky sap of spurge is toxic.