Ascot Rainbow Spurge

Euphorbia martinii 'Ascot Rainbow'

Nature Hills Nursery

Multiseason Color Show: Cream-Yellow Spring Foliage Transforms to Stunning Red-Pink in Fall
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Red Blooms From Late Spring to Early Summer
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Rabbit Resistant

$16⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to maintain the most vibrant variegated colors. While it tolerates partial shade, too much shade often leads to leggy stems and less intense pink highlights during cooler weather.
Soil: Select a spot with gritty, well drained soil that does not hold water. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in organic compost or plant in a raised bed to prevent root rot caused by "wet feet."

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water once or twice a week to help the root system settle. Once established, this plant is remarkably drought tolerant and only needs supplemental water during extreme dry spells. Overwatering or inconsistent moisture in heavy soil will cause the plant to stress and drop its lower leaves.

Pruning Tips

This spurge blooms on "old wood," meaning the stems from the previous year. In late spring or early summer, cut the flowered stems all the way back to the base once the blooms begin to fade. This encourages a flush of fresh, colorful foliage and keeps the plant from looking sparse. Always wear gloves when pruning to protect your skin from the irritating milky sap.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring as you see new growth emerging. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers because they cause the plant to grow too fast, resulting in weak stems that flop over. A light feeding is all it needs to maintain its tight, mounding habit throughout the year.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Evergreen, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Heat Tolerant, Flowering, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 11a, 11b
Sunlight	Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring, Summer
Flower Color	Red
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Euphorbia x martinii 'Ascot Rainbow'
Species	x martinii
Cultivar	Ascot Rainbow
Class	Malpighiales
Does Not Ship To	AK, AZ, CO, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ascot rainbow euphorbia evergreen?

Ascot Rainbow Euphorbia is evergreen and provides stunning foliage throughout the year. The narrow grey-green leaves change color seasonally, displaying cream and grey-green tones in spring and summer, then maturing to red and pink in cooler months. Expect consistent year-round interest from this heat and drought tolerant succulent.

How tall and wide does Ascot Rainbow Spurge grow at maturity?

Ascot Rainbow Spurge typically reaches 12-18 inches tall and spreads 18-24 inches wide at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for front borders, rock gardens, or containers. Shop at Nature Hills for this heat-loving perennial that delivers year-round color.

Is Ascot Rainbow Spurge deer resistant?

Ascot Rainbow Spurge is highly deer resistant due to its toxic, irritant sap that deters browsing animals. This Euphorbia's natural defenses make it an excellent choice for areas with deer pressure. Plant it as an accent in borders or containers where you need reliable, low-maintenance color.

Does Ascot Rainbow Spurge require regular fertilizing or special care?

Ascot Rainbow Spurge is extremely low-maintenance and thrives without regular fertilizing. This drought-tolerant succulent actually performs best in poor to average soil conditions. Simply provide well-draining soil and avoid overwatering or over-fertilizing, which can reduce its vibrant color changes.

Does Ascot Rainbow Spurge need to be cut back or pruned annually?

Ascot Rainbow Spurge requires minimal pruning since it's a low-maintenance succulent perennial. Simply deadhead spent flower spikes in late spring to keep it tidy. Always wear gloves when pruning as the sap can irritate skin. Shop at Nature Hills for this heat-loving accent plant.

Are the roots invasive?

Ascot Rainbow Spurge forms a well-behaved clump and is not invasive. This Euphorbia stays put in the garden without spreading aggressively through runners or self-seeding. Plant it confidently in borders or containers where you want reliable, colorful foliage without worrying about it taking over.

Does it require frequent watering?

No, Ascot Rainbow Spurge requires minimal watering once established. This succulent has extreme tolerance to heat and drought conditions. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings for best results.

What is the name of this plant?

The botanical name is Euphorbia martinii 'Ascot Rainbow', commonly called Ascot Rainbow Spurge. This heat and drought-tolerant succulent produces cream, lime and green flower bracts from late winter through spring. Always wear gloves when handling due to irritating sap.

Ascot Rainbow Spurge

Euphorbia martinii 'Ascot Rainbow'