Growing Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow: Learn Euphorbia Martinii Care

Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow is an evergreen, bushy sub-shrub from the family Euphorbiaceae, originating from Australia.

It is well-known for its distinctive variegated foliage and ornamental flowers, which is why an Australian hybridizer also selected it.

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This frost-hardy plant is also known as Euphorbia Martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’ PP21401.

It was first discovered in a nursery in Ascot, Victoria, in 2005.


In 2010, it received its US Patent and has since been widely propagated, distributed, and marketed.

This plant has a high tolerance to dry and hot conditions and even tolerates snow coverings and frosts.

It looks alluring throughout the year.

The botanical name of this plant is Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’, and its common names include:

  • Spurge
  • Flowering Spurge
  • Martin’s Spurge
  • Martin’s Spurge ‘Ascot Rainbow’
  • Euphorbia Martinii
  • Ascot Rainbow Spurge

Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow Quick Care Tip

  • Botanical Name: Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’
  • Common Name(s): Ascot Rainbow Spurge
  • Synonyms: N/A
  • Family & Origin: Euphorbiaceae family, hybrid of Euphorbia characias and Euphorbia amygdaloides, originated in Australia.
  • Growability: Easy to grow
  • Grow Zone: USDA zones 6-9
  • Size: 18-24 inches tall and wide
  • Flowering: Late spring to early summer, small yellow-green flowers
  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Humidity: Tolerates low humidity
  • Temperature: -15°Fahrenheit
  • Soil: Well-draining soil, tolerates poor soil
  • Water: Drought tolerant, water when soil is dry
  • Fertilizer: Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer
  • Pests & Diseases: Generally pest and disease free, may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered
  • Propagation: Propagate by stem cuttings in spring or fall
  • Plant Uses: Borders, containers, rock gardens, mass plantings, cut flowers.

Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow Plant Care

Size and Growth

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  • This plant grows around 2’ feet tall and spreads about 1’ foot wide.
  • The foliage of this plant is particularly striking and stays dense.
  • Its growth rate is medium, and its life expectancy is around eight years if it is growing in ideal conditions.
  • It bears grey-green leaves with lime-green upright bracts.
  • During the cooler months, the tips of this plant’s leaves turn to red, orange, and pink shades with a yellow edge.
  • This plant is a popular choice for many gardeners due to its unique foliage color.

Flowering and Fragrance

The Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ produces clusters of variegated lime, cream, and green flowers during spring.

The bloom time or growing season of this plant is typically between July and September.

Light and Temperature

The Ascot Rainbow Spurge prefers to grow under the full sun, particularly when grown in the cooler USDA zones.

For the warmer zones, it grows optimally in partial shade.

"Variegated potted plant on patio."Pin
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However, be sure to protect the plant from the harsh rays of the afternoon sun.

Moreover, this plant grows well in USDA hardiness zone 5 to 9.



It is also highly tolerant of inner-city and urban pollution.

Watering and Feeding

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  • The water needs of this plant are low as it is highly drought tolerant. and needs water occasionally.
  • Be sure to thoroughly saturate the soil until water starts trickling from the pot.
  • Let the soil dry out between waterings.
  • However, it prefers more moisture during harsh heat.
  • Even though it tolerates both moist and dry conditions, it won’t grow well in standing water.
  • When planting it indoors in baskets or containers, it will need more watering as compared to when they are growing in a garden or yard.
  • Feed the plant using light to moderate fertilizers once per month.
  • Limit feeding during the winter seasons.
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Soil and Transplanting

This plant grows well in a well-draining soil mixture.

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It is not particular about the soil type or the pH level of the soil.

It even tolerates poor soils, including sandy and rocky ones.

Be careful about the soil moisture.

Standing water and wet soils during the winter season will prove fatal to the plant.

Grooming and Maintenance

The Spurge plant doesn’t need much maintenance.

The plant will require pruning once the flowering is complete.

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It is ideal to cut back the plant between early spring and late summer. Pinching it back mid-season will also promote its dense habit.

How To Propagate Euphorbia Martinii?

  • The propagation of Euphorbia plants is done in early summer or late spring using basal cuttings.
  • Take the cuttings from a mature plant, making sure each cutting is 4” inches long.
  • Remove the leaves from the bottom 2” inches of the cuttings.
  • It is ideal to dip the cut surfaces in lukewarm water or charcoal to avoid any bleeding.
  • Fill up a pot with half part compost and half part sand and plant each cutting in separate pots.
  • Place the pot in part shade or a cold frame until the next spring season.
  • Lastly, transplant them in their permanent position, covering the roots properly with soil.
  • Water thoroughly.

Euphorbia Martinii Plant Pest or Diseases

This plant type doesn’t experience any significant disease or pest problems.

It has a high resistance to powdery mildew.

However, be on the lookout for the following:

It is not only deer resistant but also rabbit resistant.

NOTE: Neem Oil is a good natural insecticide for pest control

Is This Euphorbia Plant Toxic Or Poisonous?

This plant is considered toxic to humans, cats, dogs, cats, and horses if it is ingested.

When you are handling Ascot Rainbow, always wear gloves.

Its milky sap may lead to skin irritation and redness. It is also an eye irritant.

Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow Plant Uses

Martin’s Spurge is an excellent choice for adding flair to any garden.

It also looks stunning in colorful outdoor containers, patios, and pots.

You may use it in rock gardens, specimen planting, mass planting, hillsides, and for borders and accents.

Frosted plant with dew drops.Pin
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Since it is drought tolerant, it also works well in a xeriscape garden.

It is often used as filler in combination containers, depending on the plant size and form of the other plants.

It works best with Yarrow, Day Lily, Sedum, Sun Daisy, and Penstemon plants.

Moreover, when grown as perennials, Ascot rainbow plants can be shipped as potted plants.

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