Euphorbia x martini ‘Ascot Rainbow’

(Martins Spurge)

At first look, it is easy to see that this perennial evergreen sub-shrub is aptly named. It has uniquely variegated leaves that are sage green, gold and lime. As the seasons change from summer to autumn the foliage takes on the beautiful fall hues of pink, orange and red. In late winter and early spring, ‘Ascot Rainbow’ blooms dense clusters of lime green, yellow and red cyathium that rise brightly above the foliage. The cyathium is a false flower that “consists of fused bracts that form a cup around the very small true flowers” (Sunset Western Garden Book). Euphorbia x martini will thrive in Sunset Climate Zones 3-24. Euphorbia x martini ‘Ascot Rainbow’ is heat and drought tolerant, and resists deer, rabbit, and pests. All Euphorbias have a milky sap will cause skin irritation, so please use gloves when pruning, and avoid contact with the eyes. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.

Euphorbia are mostly found in the tropics, but this one is a natural hybrid of E. amygdaloides, and E. characias, discovered in France in the late 19th Century. There are about 2000 species contained in the genus Euphorbia under the Family Euphorbiaceae or the ‘Spurge’ family.

Of all the Euphorbia we have grown in 30 plus years of growing, Euphorbia x martini, ‘Ascot Rainbow’ is the most popular and best selling, due to its bright and flashy foliage. We are currently growing Euphorbia x martini ‘Ascot Rainbow’ in 1 gallon containers. Give us a call, ‘Like’ us on Facebook, or check out our website at www.clearwatercolor.com to learn more about these and other plants we are growing at our nursery!