The Ascot Rainbow Spurge plant, also known as Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’, is a striking and vibrant perennial that deserves a spot in any garden. This plant is loved for its colorful variegated foliage in shades of green, cream and pink. As beautiful as Ascot Rainbow Spurge is, there comes a time when it needs to be harvested to maintain its health and appearance. Knowing the optimal timing and proper technique for harvesting is key to ensuring your Ascot Rainbow Spurge continues to thrive.

In this article we will dive into everything you need to know about harvesting your Ascot Rainbow Spurge including

• Understanding the Growth of Ascot Rainbow Spurge
• Determining the Best Time to Harvest
• Step-by-Step Harvesting Technique
• Aftercare Following Harvesting
• Common Mistakes to Avoid

Understanding Ascot Rainbow Spurge Growth

Before jumping into harvesting practices, it’s important to understand the natural growth cycle and requirements of Ascot Rainbow Spurge. This compact, mounded perennial reaches heights of 18-24 inches tall and wide. The vibrant, variegated leaves are the main showstopper. Small greenish-yellow flowers bloom in spring and summer, but the plant is largely grown for its foliage.

Ascot Rainbow Spurge thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil and is drought tolerant once established. Regular pruning and harvesting encourages new growth and a tidy compact shape. Allowing the plant to become overgrown results in leggy lackluster plants.

Determining the Best Time to Harvest

Choosing the right time to harvest Ascot Rainbow Spurge is crucial. The ideal time is late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges. Harvesting at this stage allows the plant to recover and regenerate before the growing season begins. The dormant period is perfect for rejuvenation pruning.

Avoid harvesting during summer heat or when the plant is flowering. This can cause stress and inhibit healthy regrowth. Never harvest during temperatures below freezing, as the tender new shoots are vulnerable to damage. Stick to late winter or early spring for best results.

Step-by-Step Harvesting Technique

Follow these steps for successfully harvesting your Ascot Rainbow Spurge:

Gather the Right Tools

You’ll need clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to make precise, smooth cuts. Sanitize tools before and after use to prevent disease spread.

Remove Dead, Damaged or Diseased Growth

Inspect the plant and snip away any dead, damaged or diseased stems and leaves. This improves overall health.

Cut Back Leggy or Overgrown Stems

If plants are straggly or overgrown, cut back long stems above leaf nodes to encourage bushier regrowth.

Thin Out Congested Areas

Eliminate crossing stems and congested areas to improve air flow and light exposure. A less dense habit promotes good health.

Shape the Plant

Trim wayward stems to maintain a balanced, mounded shape. Don’t shear the plant into an unnatural form.

Deadhead Spent Flowers

Snip away faded flowers from the previous year to maintain a tidy appearance. Prevent self-seeding.

Clean Up Thoroughly

Remove all pruned stems from the area and dispose of properly. Keep the area weed and debris free.

Follow Up Care After Harvesting

After completing your harvesting, it’s crucial to follow up with proper aftercare:

• Water the plant thoroughly to reduce transplant shock. Provide extra water until new growth is established.

• Apply a balanced organic fertilizer to feed emerging roots and shoots.

• Monitor for signs of disease or pests which may attack during plant recovery. Act quickly if issues arise.

• Watch for new growth. Adjust watering and care as the plant establishes.

With attentive aftercare, your Ascot Rainbow Spurge will quickly rebound after harvesting.

Common Harvesting Mistakes to Avoid

While harvesting Ascot Rainbow Spurge seems straightforward, it’s easy to make missteps. Be sure to avoid these common harvesting errors:

• Cutting back the plant drastically or shearing into unnatural shapes

• Leaving cut stubs or strips of foliage and stems rather than making clean cuts

• Harvesting during temperature extremes of summer or winter

• Allowing new growth to emerge before harvesting

• Skipping sanitation of pruning tools

• Not removing all spent flowers and “leggy” or crossing stems

• Failing to provide attentive aftercare following harvesting

By sidestepping these mistakes and following proper technique, you will maintain a healthy, vigorous Ascot Rainbow Spurge specimen.

Conclusion

Learning when and how to properly harvest your Ascot Rainbow Spurge is simple with some basic knowledge. Late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, is the prime time for cutting back the plant. Always use clean, sharp tools and make precise cuts. Remove dead or damaged growth, thin congested areas, and trim for shape. Clean up thoroughly afterwards and provide attentive aftercare like watering and fertilizing. Avoid common harvesting errors like over-pruning or poor sanitation. Follow these guidelines each year to keep your Ascot Rainbow Spurge looking its best!