Euphorbia x martini Ascot Rainbow: A Kaleidoscope of Colour
Martin’s spurge Ascot Rainbow
Position
- Partial shade is ideal
- Avoid prolonged periods of direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, which can scorch the leaves
- Morning sun with afternoon shade is a good compromise
Hardiness
- Hardy to -15°C (5°F)
- It’s very tolerant of cold UK winters
Soil Type
- Well-drained soil is crucial
- It tolerates a range of soil types but prefers soil rich in organic matter to retain moisture
Soil PH
- Tolerates a range of soil pH, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, but prefers a neutral pH (around 7.0)
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- Reaches approximately 45-60cm (18-24 inches) tall and wide, forming a spreading mound
Seasons of Interest
- Flowering: Spring (April-May), with chartreuse-yellow bracts (modified leaves that surround the true flowers)
- The flowers themselves are small and inconspicuous
- Foliage: The main attraction is the variegated foliage
- Leaves are dark green with splashes and margins of creamy-yellow and pink
- The colours intensify in spring and autumn
Additional Notes
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging
- A light feeding in spring with a balanced fertiliser is beneficial
- Pruning is best done after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged stems
- It responds well to trimming
- The sap is mildly irritant; wear gloves when handling the plant
- Can be susceptible to fungal diseases in poorly drained or overly humid conditions
- Good air circulation is important
Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’: A Show-Stopping Evergreen with Year-Round Appeal
If you’re seeking a compact, colourful, and fuss-free plant to elevate your garden’s visual interest throughout the seasons, look no further than Euphorbia × martini ‘Ascot Rainbow’. This award-winning, evergreen perennial is celebrated for its vibrant variegated foliage, architectural structure, and striking spring flowers. A standout among hardy euphorbias, ‘Ascot Rainbow’ offers an exceptional combination of beauty, resilience, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for modern gardens, gravel borders, containers, and sunny beds.
What Makes Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ So Special?
Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ earns its name with foliage that delivers a rainbow of seasonal interest. Its elegant, lance-shaped grey-green leaves are boldly edged in creamy-golden margins, creating a glowing, luminous effect that adds depth and contrast to mixed plantings. This foliage develops rich rosy pink and reddish tints in cooler months, adding warmth to winter displays.
In early to mid-spring, upright stems are crowned with eye-catching chartreuse-green flowerheads, each highlighted by subtle red centres. These bract-like blooms create a vivid display that pairs beautifully with the plant’s variegated leaves. The striking contrast ensures ‘Ascot Rainbow’ remains an attractive focal point from the first flush of spring until the last frost.
Mature Size and Garden Suitability
‘Ascot Rainbow’ maintains a compact, tidy habit, typically reaching a height and spread of 45–60 cm (18–24 inches). This manageable size makes it especially well-suited to smaller gardens, raised beds, alpine gardens, and decorative pots. It also integrates seamlessly into Mediterranean schemes and drought-tolerant landscapes.
Its evergreen nature means the plant provides structure and foliage colour all year, making it a valuable addition to gardens that require visual interest through the seasons.
Preferred Growing Conditions for Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’
Euphorbia x martini ‘Ascot Rainbow’ requires a location with full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. It prefers poor to moderately fertile soil conditions and performs best in slightly gritty or sandy loam. It is advisable to improve drainage in heavier soils by incorporating coarse grit or horticultural sand at planting time.
Once established, this plant is impressively drought-tolerant and can withstand dry spells with minimal fuss. However, avoid planting it in areas prone to waterlogging, especially during winter, as prolonged wet conditions may lead to root rot or crown collapse.
How to Plant Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’
When planting, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and loosen the surrounding soil to aid root establishment. Set the plant at the same level it was growing in the container, and backfill gently. Water thoroughly after planting and apply gravel mulch around the base of the plant to suppress weeds and encourage drainage.
Gravel-topped planting improves moisture control, complements the plant’s Mediterranean aesthetic, and helps keep the lower stems dry and healthy.
Low-Maintenance Care & Pruning Tips
One of the most appealing aspects of ‘Ascot Rainbow’ is its low-maintenance nature. Simply remove spent flowering stems down to the base in late spring, once the blooms fade. This light pruning encourages the emergence of fresh shoots and maintains the plant’s clean, rounded shape.
As with all euphorbias, wearing gloves when pruning or handling is essential, as the milky latex sap can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Avoid contact with your eyes, and wash your hands thoroughly after working with the plant.
Container Growing: A Great Option for Small Spaces
Thanks to its compact size and evergreen presence, ‘Ascot Rainbow’ performs exceptionally well in containers and patio pots. Choose a pot with adequate drainage holes and use a free-draining, gritty compost mix—ideally suitable for Mediterranean or alpine plants. Position your container in a sunny, sheltered location and water sparingly during the growing season.
Its winter hardiness (down to approximately -10°C) makes it a smart pick for container displays that stay colourful and fresh even through the colder months.
How Do I Propagate Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’?
Propagation is typically done through basal cuttings taken in spring or early summer. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut healthy, non-flowering shoots close to the base of the plant. Allow the cuttings to dry and callous slightly before rooting them in a gritty, well-drained compost mix.
Due to the irritant sap, always wear gloves and use clean tools when taking and handling cuttings.
Seasonal Interest: A Plant for All Year
‘Ascot Rainbow’ truly lives up to its name, offering continuous seasonal interest. In spring, you’ll enjoy its vibrant flowerheads and fresh foliage. Summer showcases fully developed variegation and structural presence. In autumn, subtle red tones emerge on the leaves, while winter often brings a delightful pinkish tint, providing colour when much of the garden is dormant.
This four-season beauty ensures your garden never lacks colour or character.
Potential Issues and Safety Considerations
The most important thing to remember is the toxic nature of euphorbia sap, which can cause skin and eye irritation. Always use gloves when pruning or propagating, and supervise pets and children near the plant.
Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ is otherwise remarkably resistant to pests and diseases, and its drought-tolerant nature makes it a dependable choice for low-input gardens. However, prolonged exposure to waterlogged conditions should be avoided to prevent rot.
From Darren’s Patch
Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ has become an absolute staple in my garden. Its striking foliage brings structure and colour in every season, and I especially enjoy how the tones shift as the weather cools — those winter pink tints lift the space when little else is happening. I’ve planted it along a gravel path where the variegation stands out beautifully, and it performs just as well in containers on the patio. What makes it such a reliable choice is how little it demands — once established, it thrives with minimal care, so long as the drainage is correct. It’s one of those plants that quietly works hard all year and always catches visitors’ attention. Just be sure to wear gloves when pruning, as the sap can be irritating — a small caution for an otherwise outstanding perennial.
Key Points to Remember:
- Grows to 45-60cm (18-24 inches) in height and spread
- Needs well-drained soil and full sun
- Tolerates drought once established
- Wear gloves when handling
- Remove flowered stems in spring
- Provides year-round interest
- Perfect for containers and borders
- Propagate through basal cuttings
- Avoid wet winter soil
- Variegated foliage changes colour seasonally
Euphorbia × martini ‘Ascot Rainbow’ is a standout evergreen perennial that combines low-maintenance care with exceptional visual impact. Its brilliant foliage, unique flowerheads, and year-round interest make it a favourite among landscape designers and gardeners. Whether used as a focal point in a gravel garden, a companion plant in a sunny border, or a showpiece in a stylish container, this hardy euphorbia brings a refined touch of elegance and enduring colour to every corner of the garden.
Check out the RHS article here.
From one beauty to another — take a look at Hakonechloa macra Mulled Wine.
For more information on perennials for your garden, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes Euphorbia x martini ‘Ascot Rainbow’ an excellent choice for gardeners?
A: Ascot Rainbow is a wonderfully colourful perennial that brings life to your garden! With its chartreuse-green bracts tinged pink and blue-grey leaves edged with bright cream, it’s perfect for making a statement. Plus, it’s drought tolerant, so you won’t have to worry about it wilting in the summer heat!
Q: How should I care for my Ascot Rainbow spurge?
A: This hardy perennial loves well-drained soil, so plant it in a spot that meets that requirement. Regular trimming after flowering can help maintain its shape and encourage a fuller display throughout the year. If you’re in a gardening club, sharing tips with fellow members can be very helpful!
Q: Can I use Euphorbia x martini in winter containers?
A: Absolutely! Ascot Rainbow can add a pop of colour to your winter containers, making them look vibrant even during the colder months. Just ensure that the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging.
Q: When is the best time to plant Martin’s spurge?
A: You should plant this spurge in the spring when the conditions are just right for growth. Before planting, prepare your soil properly for the best results!
Q: How does the colour of the Ascot Rainbow change throughout the year?
A: The colours of Martin’s spurge can vary depending on the season. You’ll see those beautiful green flowers in spring, and as the seasons change, you might notice different tinges and shades, keeping your garden looking fresh and interesting!
Q: Where can I buy spurge, Euphorbia × martini?
A: You can buy spurge Euphorbia × martini from garden centres or online retailers such as SwiftPlants.com. Just keep an eye out for reputable sellers to ensure you’re getting a healthy plant!
Q: How much space does the Ascot Rainbow spurge need to spread?
A: Martin’s spurge has a moderate spread, so give it enough room to grow without crowding other plants. A spacing of about 45cm (18 inches) is usually ideal for optimal growth.