Martin's Spurge Euphorbia × martini 'Ascot Rainbow' (PBR) (v)

☠ Toxic to humans
🐾 Toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
Martin's spurge 'Ascot Rainbow'

ABOUT

Euphorbia × martini 'Ascot Rainbow', also referred to as Martin's spurge, is a visually striking plant known for its distinctive foliage and flowers. The leaves of Martin's spurge 'Ascot Rainbow' exhibit a captivating blend of colors; they often have a blend of green, cream, and lime hues with a pinkish or reddish tinge on the margins, especially apparent in cooler temperatures. As the seasons change, so too does the foliage, taking on various colors ranging from vibrant green to creamy yellow, maintaining an attractive variegation pattern throughout. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are technically called cyathia, which are characteristic of the euphorbia family. These flowers are surrounded by colorful bracts that resemble petals and add to the ornamental value of the plant. The bracts are typically a combination of green and yellow with a splash of red or pink, further enriching its display. 'Martin's spurge' has an upright and compact growth habit, forming a bushy clump of strong stems which hold the leaves and flowerheads. The stems can sometimes have a reddish tone, providing even more color contrast to the garden. This perennial is valued not only for its year-round interest but also for its resistance to pests and diseases, and its ability to withstand a variety of growing conditions. It is a versatile plant that can add both structure and a unique color palette to gardens and landscape designs.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Euphorbiaceae

    • Synonyms

      Ascot Rainbow Spurge, Martin's Spurge

    • Common names

      Euphorbia × martini 'Ascot Rainbow' (PBR) (v)

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Spurge is known for its toxic white sap, which is present in all parts of the plant. If ingested, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Skin contact with the sap may also result in irritation, redness, swelling, and blisters. It is essential to handle Spurge with care, wearing gloves, and to avoid touching the eyes or mouth after handling the plant.

    • To pets

      Spurge is also toxic to pets. If ingested, the plant's sap can cause symptoms similar to those in humans, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly more severe symptoms depending on the amount ingested. Skin contact can cause dermatitis and irritation. It's crucial to keep pets away from this plant and seek veterinary care if exposure or ingestion is suspected.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Evergreen

    • Color of leaves

      Variegated

    • Flower color

      Yellow

    • Height

      1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

    • Spread

      1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

    • Plant type

      Shrub

    • Hardiness zones

      6

    • Native area

      Mediterranean

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Attractive Foliage: The plant features variegated leaves that display shades of green, yellow, and in cooler temperatures, hints of pink to red, adding visual interest to the garden throughout the year.
    • Drought Tolerance: Once established, Euphorbia 'Ascot Rainbow' is somewhat drought-tolerant, making it suitable for water-wise gardens or areas with low rainfall.
    • Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners looking for low-maintenance landscaping options.
    • Pest Resistant: It is generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments and making it a more sustainable choice.
    • Deer Resistant: The plant has a level of deer resistance, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing can damage garden plants.
    • Long Blooming: Euphorbia 'Ascot Rainbow' has a long blooming season, producing flowers from early spring to late summer, providing extended interest and color.
    • Versatile Planting: Suitable for borders, rockeries, and containers, this plant offers versatility in its use in different areas of the garden.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Euphorbia 'Ascot Rainbow' can be used as a natural pest repellent in the garden due to its milky sap that is unattractive to many pests.
    • It can be incorporated into cut flower arrangements for a touch of unique variegated foliage; however, care should be taken to protect skin and surfaces from the sap.
    • This plant can function as a tactile teaching tool in sensory gardens due to its interesting texture.
    • It can serve as a living paintbrush for children's garden art projects, with the sap creating patterns and textures on paper.
    • As a drought-resistant plant, Euphorbia 'Ascot Rainbow' may be used in xeriscaping and to combat soil erosion in arid regions.
    • This variety can be used in the study and demonstration of plant variegation and patterns in horticultural courses or workshops.
    • It can serve as a natural fencing material when planted in dense rows, providing a low barrier that is both decorative and functional.
    • Photographers might use the plant as a subject for macro photography due to its intricate flowers and foliage details.
    • The structural form of Euphorbia 'Ascot Rainbow' can be used in landscape design to create rhythm and repetition throughout a garden space.
    • Its resilience can be utilized to revegetate disturbed soils in construction or development sites as an initial groundcover before other plants are introduced.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Martin's Spurge is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Martin's Spurge is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Resilience: The Euphorbia × martini 'Ascot Rainbow', commonly known as Spurge, is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging environments, symbolizing strength and the ability to overcome adversity.
    • Diversity: The variegated foliage of Spurge, which showcases multiple colors, can represent diversity and the beauty of bringing different elements together harmoniously.
    • Healing: Historically, the Euphorbia genus has been associated with medicinal properties, and as such, Spurge may symbolize healing and the soothing of wounds, both physical and emotional.
    • Protection: Some species of Euphorbia are known to exude a milky sap that can be toxic, which has led to a symbolic association with protection and the safeguarding of one's space.
    • Caution: Given the toxic nature of some Euphorbias when handled incorrectly, the Spurge can also be a symbol of caution, reminding us to be aware of inherent dangers and to approach situations with care.

💧
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
50%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Early Spring
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    Spurge 'Ascot Rainbow', a drought-tolerant plant, should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Typically, this means watering once a week, but frequency can be less during cooler months or in humid climates. Provide about half a gallon to one gallon of water for outdoor plants to ensure deep watering, encouraging strong root growth. For indoor plants, adequate watering generally equates to around 8-16 ounces, depending on the size of the pot. Adjust as needed for weather conditions and always avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.

  • sunLight

    Spurge 'Ascot Rainbow' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot where the plant will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, but with protection from the harshest afternoon sun in particularly hot climates. This light condition ensures vibrant foliage color and optimal growth.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Spurge 'Ascot Rainbow' can tolerate a wide temperature range, making it versatile for many gardens. This plant can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit, but prefers a range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for ideal growth. It can withstand high temperatures in summer, but the foliage may suffer if temperatures consistently exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • scissorsPruning

    Prune Spurge 'Ascot Rainbow' to remove any damaged or spent stems and to maintain its shape. This should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning is generally not required more than once a year, as this plant has a naturally attractive form. Wear gloves when pruning, as the sap can be an irritant to skin.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Martin's Spurge 'Ascot Rainbow' thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. The best soil mix should contain a combination of loam, sand, and organic matter to ensure good drainage and fertility. The preferred soil pH for Martin's Spurge 'Ascot Rainbow' ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.

  • plantRepotting

    Martin's Spurge 'Ascot Rainbow' does not require frequent repotting and can generally be repotted every two to three years, or when it has outgrown its current container.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Martin's Spurge 'Ascot Rainbow' is tolerant of typical indoor humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Place in bright, indirect light and water sparingly.

    • Outdoor

      Full sun to part shade, shelter from harsh winds.

    • Hardiness zone

      6-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    Euphorbia × martini 'Ascot Rainbow', commonly known as Martin's spurge, begins its life as a seed, germinating in favorable conditions of warmth and moisture in the spring. After germination, the seedling stage is marked by the emergence of the first leaves as the plant establishes a root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant grows rapidly, producing multiple branches and leaves characteristic of the euphorbia family, showing variegated patterns of green, yellow, and pink. During the reproductive stage, typically in late spring to early summer, it develops tiny, inconspicuous flowers surrounded by showy, colorful bracts that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant produces seeds, which are eventually dispersed to give rise to new plants, thereby completing the life cycle. Martin's spurge is perennial, so this cycle of vegetative growth and reproduction occurs annually, with the plant dying back to the ground in winter and resprouting from the rootstock in the spring.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Early Spring

    • The most popular method of propagating Euphorbia × martini 'Ascot Rainbow', also known as Martin's Spurge, is through cuttings. This is usually done in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants, selecting semi-hardwood stems about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and placed in a warm spot with indirect light until roots have formed, which typically takes a few weeks. It's crucial to handle Euphorbia with care due to its milky sap, which can be an irritant to skin and eyes.

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