If you’re a gardening enthusiast who loves adding unique colors and textures to your outdoor spaces, you may have come across the Ascot Rainbow Spurge plant. This stunning variety, known scientifically as Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’, is treasured for its vibrant, variegated foliage in eye-catching shades of pink, cream, and green.
However, like any plant, the Ascot Rainbow Spurge has specific care requirements, especially when it comes to watering. Understanding how to properly hydrate your Ascot Rainbow Spurge is key to helping it thrive. Read on as I share a comprehensive guide on how to tell if your Ascot Rainbow Spurge plant needs watering.
Getting to Know the Ascot Rainbow Spurge
Before jumping into watering needs, let’s quickly overview some key facts about the Ascot Rainbow Spurge:
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A hybrid flowering perennial plant native to Madeira,
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Features oval-shaped leaves with unique variegated patterns.
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Grows best in full sun to partial shade
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Does well in zones 9-11 and can be grown as an annual in cooler zones.
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Reaches a mature size of 12-18 inches tall and wide.
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Requires well-draining soil and has low drought tolerance once established,
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Generally requires infrequent watering, with thorough soakings when dry.
Now that we’ve covered some basics, let’s explore the signs that indicate when your Ascot Rainbow Spurge is thirsty and ready for its next drink!
Top Signs Your Ascot Rainbow Spurge Needs Water
While Euphorbias are drought-resistant plants, they still need adequate hydration to look their best. Here are the top signs to watch for with your Ascot Rainbow Spurge:
Wilting or Drooping Leaves
If you notice the leaves of your Ascot Rainbow Spurge beginning to wilt, droop or curl inwards, it’s likely time to get the watering can ready. Wilting is one of the most obvious indicators of underwatering. Healthy Spurge leaves should appear turgid and upright.
Loss of Vibrant Color
One of the signature features of the Ascot Rainbow Spurge is its vibrant variegated foliage. If the leaves start to fade or look dull, it can signal underwatering. Properly hydrated leaves will look firm and display rich hues.
Dry and Crunchy Leaves
Feel the leaves of your Spurge. If they are dry and crunchy to the touch, your plant likely needs water as soon as possible. Leaves should feel smooth and supple.
Dropping Leaves
As underwatering persists, your Ascot Rainbow Spurge may start dropping leaves from the base of the plant. This occurs as the plant starts to sacrifice lower leaves to retain moisture. Don’t wait until you have excessive leaf drop before watering.
Slow or Stunted Growth
Lack of water will eventually lead to a noticeable slowing or stunting of growth. If your plant seems to have suddenly stopped actively growing, an urgent watering is in order.
Lightweight Pot
Pick up the pot containing your Spurge. If it feels much lighter than expected, the soil has likely become extremely dry. The pot should have some noticeable heft from moisture.
Dry Soil
There’s no better way to directly assess your plant’s need for water than by checking soil moisture. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil and if it feels completely dry and crumbly, it’s definitely time to hydrate.
Watering Your Ascot Rainbow Spurge Properly
Once you’ve determined your Ascot Rainbow Spurge needs water, follow these tips for hydrating properly:
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Water deeply until excess moisture drains from the bottom of the pot. This encourages stronger root growth.
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Allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. Ascot Rainbow Spurge is prone to root rot if overwatered.
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Water in the morning to give excess moisture time to evaporate through the day.
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Adjust watering frequency based on environmental factors like sunlight, temperature, humidity and airflow.
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In very hot weather, you may need to water slightly more frequently. In cooler months, reduce watering.
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Always water at soil level rather than pouring water over foliage, which can encourage diseases.
Caring for your Ascot Rainbow Spurge is incredibly rewarding when you understand its needs. By learning the visual and tactile signs that indicate when your plant requires water, you’ll know exactly when to give it a thorough, nourishing drink. Pay close attention to leaf appearance, soil dryness, pot weight and growth habits. With proper occasional deep waterings, you’ll keep your Ascot Rainbow Spurge thriving in vibrant color.
Your Green Thumb Support
Mon-Thur, 7 AM – 7 PM CST
Fri, 7 AM – 5 PM CST
Sat-Sun, 8 AM – 5 PM CST
Mon-Fri, 8 AM to 5 PM CST
- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Height 20 Inches
- Width 20 Inches
- Growing Zones 5-9
Looking for something different but you can’t put your finger on it? Never fear Ascot Rainbow Spurge is here. Also known as Euphorbia martinii, this is a low growing evergreen subshrub (20 inches in height) that looks stunning in masses. This plant has an upright bushy habit with creamy green and white variegated leaves. The top of each growing tip has a tinge of magenta pink that gives off a tropical vibe. The flowers are unique and diverse saucers that are multi-colored pink, green, and white. These flowers bloom from Spring to Summer.
Euphorbia is known to be tough in more ways than one. Steer clear of its milky sap which can cause dermatitis. Deer and rabbits don’t have an appetite for their toxic defenses. Euphorbia is heat, drought, and salt tolerant. Mixed borders close to driveways where salt runoff can be an issue is not a problem for this plant. It makes an excellent filler in containers and makes a surprising focal point in the landscape especially on a sloping hillside.
Ascot Rainbow Spurge Care
Don’t worry about babysitting this beauty, because it can literally take care of itself. Just give it part to full sun conditions. Make sure that the soil is well-draining. It will thrive with average to less than average watering needs. Apply fertilizer or compost annually to help invigorate new shoots and blooms. Diseases and pest issues are not a problem either.
Euphorbia is a hardy perennial that thrives in zones 5 to 9. Since this plant is evergreen the leaves can withstand the cold winter. Just trim back the flower shoots in the late Summer or early Fall and come Spring this plant will be as good as new.
Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ (Spurge) // Very USEFUL perennial with UNIQUE foliage and flowers
FAQ
How often should you water spurge?
Why are the leaves falling off my Euphorbia ascot rainbow?
How do you take care of a rainbow ascot plant?
Is Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow drought tolerant?
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.
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.
What is a ‘Ascot Rainbow’ spurge?
Never fear ‘Ascot Rainbow’ Spurge is here. Also known as Euphorbia martinii, this is a low growing evergreen subshrub (20 inches in height) that looks stunning in masses. This plant has an upright bushy habit with creamy green and white variegated leaves. The top of each growing tip has a tinge of magenta pink that gives off a tropical vibe.
Are Spurges ‘Ascot Rainbow’ poisonous?
Note that all parts of the plant are toxic. 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.