If you’ve noticed your Ascot Rainbow spurge plant growing in an unusual sideways direction you may be scratching your head wondering why. This colorful variegated perennial is known for its upright growth habit, so seeing it lean or creep along the ground can be alarming. But don’t worry – in most cases, sideways growth is easily fixed if you understand what’s causing it.
Common Causes of Sideways Growth
There are a few key reasons why your Ascot Rainbow spurge may be growing sideways instead of upright:
Insufficient Sunlight
Ascot Rainbow spurge thrives in full sun. Without adequate sunlight, the stems can become leggy and weak, causing the plant to flop over or lean dramatically to one side as it attempts to reach the light. Make sure your plant is getting at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sunlight is ideal.
Overcrowding
If planted too close together or surrounded by other plants Ascot Rainbow spurge will become crowded and start leaning and stretching for space. Give each plant 1-2 feet of breathing room.
Excess Moisture
Too much water or poor drainage can cause root rot and other issues leading to sideways growth. These plants need well-draining soil. Allow the top inch to dry out between waterings.
Wind Damage
Strong winds can blow stems sideways or even uproot the plant Shelter your spurge from intense wind, or stake stems to offer support
Insufficient Staking
Newly planted spurges and young plants may not have developed enough stem strength to remain upright without staking. Insert stakes around plants for support.
Root Damage
Injury to roots from digging, transplanting, or pests can interrupt the uptake of water/nutrients causing weakness and side growth. Handle roots carefully and treat pest issues promptly.
Excess Fertilizer
Too much nitrogen-rich fertilizer can cause leggy, weak growth that leans sideways. Use a balanced organic fertilizer at recommended rates.
Caring For Your Leaning Spurge
If your Ascot Rainbow is already growing sideways, here are some tips to get it back on track:
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Gently stake and tie stems to supports to retrain them to grow upright.
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Prune back any severely leaning stems to just above a leaf node and let them re-grow.
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Improve sunlight exposure by moving the plant or trimming back neighboring plants that are shading it.
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Promote air circulation and reduce overcrowding by giving each spurge 1-2 feet of space.
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Check soil drainage and amend with perlite/sand if too heavy or dense. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings.
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Apply a balanced organic fertilizer to nourish the plant without stimulating excessive growth.
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Monitor for pests like aphids that can weaken stems and cause side growth. Take action to eliminate any found.
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Protect plant from strong winds that can bend stems. Install supports/stakes if needed.
Preventing Future Sideways Growth
Once you’ve corrected existing sideways growth, keep your Ascot Rainbow spurge growing straight and tall with these preventive measures:
Proper Site Selection
Choose a site with at least 6 hours of full sun that is protected from strong winds. Morning sun is ideal.
Adequate Spacing
Allow 1-2 feet between plants to prevent crowding and competition for light.
Careful Transplanting
When moving plants, dig wide and deep to get as much of the root system as possible. This will minimize transplant shock. Carefully settle soil around roots and water well after transplanting.
Timely Staking
Insert stakes around newly planted spurges and tie stems loosely to supports. This helps establish upright growth pattern.
Balanced Fertilization
Use a dilute balanced organic fertilizer to nourish plants without promoting excessive leggy growth. Follow label directions.
Consistent Watering
Water thoroughly after transplanting and then allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid over-saturating the soil.
Pest Monitoring
Check regularly for aphids, mites, and other pests that can weaken stems. Take prompt action to treat any found.
Careful cultivation
Loosen soil gently around plants to avoid damaging shallow roots. Weed carefully.
With the right growing conditions and care, your Ascot Rainbow spurge will reward you with vivid colorful foliage and a dependably upright, mounded form all season long. Pay attention to sunlight, moisture, and pest prevention and you can enjoy the unique beauty of this eye-catching perennial.
Light and Temperature Tangles
Faded leaves, stunted growth, and a leggy plant are distress signals from your Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow craving better light conditions. To remedy this, find the sweet spot for indirect light and consider rotating your plant to promote even growth.
Fungal Foes and Mold
Fungal issues often manifest as fuzzy growths on leaves or a musty smell. To address this, increase airflow around your plant and reduce moisture to discourage fungal growth. If a fungal infection is confirmed, applying an eco-friendly fungicide can help. Its important to water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry and prevent future outbreaks. Regularly remove any affected leaves to stop the spread of the disease.
Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ (Spurge) // Very USEFUL perennial with UNIQUE foliage and flowers
FAQ
How to fix a plant growing sideways?
How to prune ascot rainbow spurge?
How often should you water spurge?
Why is my Euphorbia ascot rainbow losing leaves?
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.
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.