The eye-catching Ascot Rainbow spurge plant, with its vibrant, variegated foliage in shades of green, pink and cream, is a beloved staple in many gardens. But where did this beautiful perennial originate from? The history and lineage of the Ascot Rainbow spurge plant is cloaked in some mystery and intrigue. In this article, I’ll explore the fascinating origin story of this unique garden gem.
A Chance Discovery in Southern France
The Ascot Rainbow spurge traces its ancestry back to the late 1800s in southern France, It is believed to be a naturally occurring hybrid between two wild spurge species – Euphorbia characias (Mediterranean spurge) and Euphorbia amygdaloides (wood spurge)
A hybrid simply means the interbreeding of two different plant species or varieties. In the case of the Ascot Rainbow spurge, its parents likely cross-pollinated randomly in the wild. This chance cross-pollination resulted in a brand new plant exhibiting qualities of both parent species.
The hybrid offspring displayed attractive variegated leaves unlike either of its parents. A French botanist discovered the unique plant growing wild and decided to collect samples for further study and propagation.
Chance Discovery Leads to Cultivation
Once discovered, the newly found variegated spurge hybrid was brought into cultivation in European nurseries. The horticultural merit and vibrant foliar colors were immediately recognized as highly desirable traits.
Nurseries began propagating the chance hybrid to sell commercially as an ornamental garden plant. Demand grew quickly for this exotic looking spurge with no other plant quite like it at the time.
Arrival on the Horticultural Scene
By the late 1890s, the spurge hybrid was being mass produced and sold by nurseries in England and continental Europe. It garnered much interest and acclaim within the flourishing horticultural scene popular in Victorian times.
The plant was given the botanical name Euphorbia x martinii, or Martin’s spurge, to honor French botanist Martine who first discovered it For decades it was simply referred to as Martin’s spurge as it grew in popularity around Europe
Trademarked as Ascot Rainbow
In the latter half of the 20th century, this beautiful spurge hybrid made its way across the Atlantic to North America. It was first introduced in the United States in 1985 through the patented Draco line of plants.
The Draco® Ascot Rainbow® cultivar name and trademark was registered in 1994 by breeder Brian Corr. The trademark name Ascot Rainbow recognized its rainbow-hued foliage and place of discovery in Ascot, England.
Continued Popularity in Gardens
Today, the Ascot Rainbow spurge enjoys widespread popularity, especially among container gardeners. While its exact parentage origins may always remain partly speculative, the vivid colorful foliage is undisputed.
Nurseries and growers continue to select and breed new cultivars of the Euphorbia x martinii hybrid. Some showcase more pink or yellow tones while others exhibit wavy or twisted leaves.
Regardless of new varieties, the classic Ascot Rainbow spurge remains a garden favorite admired for its long season of interest and easy care requirements. With proper growing conditions, it provides years of bright, colorful impact in beds, borders and containers.
The serendipitous natural origins of Ascot Rainbow spurge serve as a reminder of the wonders of plant hybridization. Thanks to the keen eye of a 19th century French botanist, gardeners today can enjoy this beautiful perennial that continues to brighten up landscapes over a century later.
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Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ (Spurge) // Very USEFUL perennial with UNIQUE foliage and flowers
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