The vivid multi-hued foliage of Ascot Rainbow spurge (Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’) makes it a standout in any garden. This Australian native hybrid, a cross between Euphorbia characias and Euphorbia amygdaloides, brings a splash of color and texture with its unique cream pink and green leaves.
If your Ascot Rainbow spurge has outgrown its space or you want to move it to a new location, transplanting this eye-catching perennial is a straightforward process Follow these simple steps for transplanting success
Choosing the Best Time to Transplant
Timing is key when uprooting and replanting your Ascot Rainbow. Late spring, when soil has warmed and new growth takes off, or early autumn when plants gear down for winter dormancy are ideal. Avoid stressing your spurge by transplanting during the dog days of summer or in winter’s chill.
Shoot for a time when daytime highs hover in the 60s or 70s Fahrenheit and nighttime lows don’t dip below 50 degrees. Mild temperatures limit shock and give newly planted roots time to establish before cold snaps hit.
Selecting the Right Transplant Site
Your Ascot Rainbow spurge thrives in a spot that receives full sun but tolerates light afternoon shade. Well-drained soil is essential—soggy roots spell doom for this drought-resistant beauty.
Select a transplantation site that mimics these conditions. Amend dense, moisture-retentive soil with compost to improve drainage before planting. Or, for heavy clay soil, try mixing in expanded shale, which aerates while retaining moisture and nutrients.
For optimal growth, don’t transplant your spurge any deeper than its original level. Planting too deeply suffocates roots and invites rot.
Pre-Transplant Preparation
Reduce transplant stress by watering your Ascot Rainbow thoroughly a day or two before the move. Well-hydrated plants better withstand the disruption of uprooting.
Before digging, remove any mulch or debris resting against the main stem—this guards against inadvertent damage. Have your new planting hole prepped and waiting nearby so your spurge spends minimal time unplanted.
Digging Up Your Spurge
When digging up a mature spurge, allow ample space around the root ball—at least 12 inches from the main stem—to get as many roots as possible. Insert a garden spade into the soil, angling it toward the plant’s base. Lift the clump gently, cradling the loosened root ball.
For large, established plants, slide a tarp under the root ball for easy transport. Or use pruning shears to trim excess roots and lighten the load before replanting in the new site.
Getting Your Spurge Settled Into Its New Home
Gently place your Ascot Rainbow spurge into the awaiting hole, positioning it at its original soil depth—don’t plant it any deeper. Refill the hole with your amended soil mix, firming it around the root ball. Create a shallow water basin around the stem to help direct water to the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting and tamp down any remaining air pockets. Top dress with an organic mulch like pine straw or shredded leaves to cool the soil, reduce weeds and retain moisture.
Post-Transplant Care
Ease transplant trauma by providing post-planting TLC. Water deeply every few days during the first weeks to keep the root zone evenly moist but not sodden. Shelter your spurge from harsh sun and wind immediately after transplanting.
Monitor for signs of stress like droopy or yellowing leaves and adjust care as needed. Hold off on fertilizing until new growth signals the plant has recovered. Within a season, your happy Ascot Rainbow should be settled and thriving in its new spot!
With a little planning and prep, you can successfully transplant your Ascot Rainbow spurge to showcase this colorful perennial in a new part of your landscape. Time it right, choose the site wisely and provide attentive aftercare to give those dazzling variegated leaves a fresh canvas for their next act.
Budding Babies: Propagating from Offsets
Offsets are the plantlets that cluster around the base of your Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow, eager for independence. Identify offsets that have sprouted their own roots, resembling a miniature version of the parent plant.
To separate, approach it like a precision task—gently twist or use sterilized scissors for a clean cut. If theyre clinging on, dont force them; a little patience goes a long way. Once detached, let them dry out for a day to form a callous over the cut surface, which helps prevent rot.
Rooting Your Cuttings
Now, for the rooting ritual. Dip the freshly snipped end into rooting hormone—think of it as a growth accelerator. Plant it in a well-draining soil mix, and cover with a plastic dome to keep humidity high. Remember, not too tight—you want to avoid suffocating your green protégé.
Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ (Spurge) // Very USEFUL perennial with UNIQUE foliage and flowers
FAQ
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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.
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.
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.
When does Ascot Rainbow spurge Bloom?
The bloom time or growing season of this plant is typically between July and September. 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.