Euphorbia is a large genus, with plants ranging from Christmas poinsettias and cowboy cacti to large shrubs like Euphorbia mellifera. The shrubby, hardy varieties make excellent garden plants for a range of situations, depending on their size and preference.
Shrubby euphorbias are easy to grow, and look exotic and striking all year round. They add structure and texture to a mixed planting scheme, making them a great companion for colourful shrubs and perennials.
With its vibrant, variegated foliage, Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’ brings captivating color to gardens This popular spurge is easy to propagate at home, allowing you to expand your plant collection. Follow this simple, step-by-step guide for propagating success
Choosing the Best Plants and Timing
Select a healthy parent plant that shows optimal color and growth. Take cuttings in spring or early summer when plants are actively growing. Avoid taking cuttings in fall or winter when plants are dormant.
Pick stems that are not flowering, as flower buds can sap energy from root growth. Look for shoots that are 4-6 inches long with several leaf nodes the points where leaves attach. The nodes are where new roots will emerge.
Gather the Right Propagation Supplies
Before you start snipping gather these supplies
- Sharp, clean pruners or knife to take cuttings
- Rooting hormone powder or gel to stimulate root growth
- Sterile, sharp container filled with propagation or cacti/succulent mix
- Clear plastic bags or domes to maintain humidity around cuttings
Optional items include a heating mat to provide bottom heat and encourage faster rooting. Avoid overwatering by using a well-draining soilless mix.
Taking and Preparing the Stem Cuttings
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Sterilize your cutting tool to prevent disease transmission.
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Identify a healthy stem and cut it at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node.
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Trim off leaves from the lower third of the cutting to allow for new root formation. Some leaves can remain on the upper portion.
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Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder or gel. Tap off any excess.
Rooting the Cuttings in Soil or Water
Soil propagation: Fill the container with soilless mix, wetting it beforehand. Make a hole and insert the cutting at least 1 inch deep, keeping 1-2 nodes buried. Firm the soil gently and water well.
Water propagation: Place the cutting in a glass of clean water, submerging the lower portion of the stem. Change the water every few days to prevent rotting.
Caring for Cuttings in the First Weeks
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Keep the soil or water consistently moist but not saturated.
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Maintain high humidity around the cuttings by covering with plastic. Ventilate regularly to allow air circulation.
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Keep ambient temperatures around 70-75°F for optimal root growth.
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Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid direct hot sunlight.
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Check cuttings often for signs of root and shoot growth. Look for new leaves emerging.
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Gradually expose cuttings to less humidity and more sun over 2-4 weeks as roots develop.
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Transplant cuttings into containers once well rooted.
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
Yellow or dropping leaves indicate too much or too little water. Maintain even moisture, never soggy soil.
Wilting and weak growth signal insufficient light. Move to a brighter spot but avoid hot direct sun.
Stem rot or mildew arise from overwatering or too little air circulation. Allow soil to partly dry between waterings and increase ventilation.
Slow or no new roots can result from using old hormones or incorrect soil temperature. Refresh materials and maintain 70-75°F.
Stretching stems happen without adequate sunlight. Provide at least 4 hours of bright, indirect light daily.
With the right timing, materials, and care, propagating Ascot Rainbow spurge from stem cuttings is straightforward. In a few weeks, you’ll have fresh new plants to brighten up your garden with vivid hues.
How to propagate euphorbias
Propagate euphorbias by taking cuttings in spring. Make sure you wear gloves to protect you from the sap.
In the video below, Monty Don shows how easy and rewarding it is to propagate euphorbias by taking cuttings of Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii in spring. He also shares tips on how to keep them fresh, how to plant them and how to protect your hands from the irritant sap. Green Video Post Element Video ID: “f3e0d4ceb3e9042f55209d915f4ff02bdb0580be” Mix ID: “” Player ID: “qAUyOzk5” If the player doesnt appear here within a few seconds, the Player ID or Licence Key (set via IM Green Video settings) might be invalid.
How to plant euphorbias
When planting pot-grown euphorbias outdoors, dig a generous hole and add some compost or leaf mould if necessary. After firming in your euphorbia, water it well, and add a layer of mulch (a minimum 5cm thick) to keep in moisture and prevent weeds while the plant is establishing.
In the video below, Monty Don recommends two excellent euphorbia varieties, and details how and where to plant them. He also gives tips on how to propagate euphorbias from cuttings. Green Video Post Element Video ID: “062e9492554afdc7ea731768c160f89c4cf30680” Mix ID: “” Player ID: “qAUyOzk5” If the player doesnt appear here within a few seconds, the Player ID or Licence Key (set via IM Green Video settings) might be invalid.
Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ (Spurge) // Very USEFUL perennial with UNIQUE foliage and flowers
FAQ
How do you propagate spurge?
Can you root Euphorbia in water?
Do you cut back Euphorbia ascot rainbow?
How to take basal cuttings from Euphorbia?
Can Ascot Rainbow spurge grow in shade?
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. 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.
How do you propagate spurges ‘Ascot Rainbow’?
Spurges ‘Ascot Rainbow’ is most commonly propagated via cuttings. It is important to wear gloves while working with spurge s ‘Ascot Rainbow’ cuttings and to clean the pruning shears thoroughly after pruning, so that any unwanted contact with the sap is avoided. Before planting, it is necessary to leave the cuttings to dry for 2-3 days.
What is a ‘Ascot Rainbow’ spurge?
Virtues: We love ‘Ascot Rainbow’ spurges for their striking, sage and lime green foliage that turn stunning shades of pink, red and orange during the colder months. These perennials also have vibrant green flowers with radiant red centers. Common name: ‘Ascot Rainbow’ spurge Botanical name:Euphorbia martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’
Do spurges ‘Ascot Rainbow’ need a lot of water?
This dwarf hybrid grows well in containers and stands out in mixed borders. Spurges ‘Ascot Rainbow’ needs regular watering about once a week, especially during growing seasons. The plants don’t need great amounts of water during temperate environmental conditions, but during hot summer days they need as much water as any other plant.