Botanical Name: Euphorbia × martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’

Common Name: Euphorbia, Spurge

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 6–10)

Size: 18–24" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Clump-Forming, Well-Branched Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil: Prefers Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor or Rocky Soils

Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Spring

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Blue-Green Leaves with Creamy Yellow Margins, Pink Blushed Bracts in Spring, Evergreen Foliage, Deer Resistant

Uses: Ideal for Borders, Mixed Perennial Beds, Containers, Foundation Plantings, and Modern Landscapes

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

See our complete Euphorbia Growth & Care Guide for full care details.

More About Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’

Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ is a standout perennial valued for its year-round variegated foliage and clean, architectural form. The blue-green leaves edged in creamy yellow provide constant color, while spring brings showy chartreuse bracts often flushed with pink—adding a bright seasonal highlight without overwhelming the plant’s structure.

Unlike many flowering perennials that peak briefly, ‘Ascot Rainbow’ earns its place in the garden through four-season interest. The foliage remains evergreen in mild climates and holds its shape beautifully, making it as useful in winter design as it is in spring and summer.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Ascot Rainbow’ has been exceptionally dependable in well-drained soils and sunny to lightly shaded locations. It tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils once established, all while maintaining a tidy, upright habit with minimal maintenance.

We especially appreciate its versatility. It works just as well as a container centerpiece as it does in perennial borders, and it pairs effortlessly with grasses, lavenders, salvias, and other drought-tolerant plants. Deer typically avoid it, adding another layer of reliability in the landscape.

Ascot Rainbow vs. Other Euphorbia Varieties

Ascot Rainbow stands out for its multi-season color and expressive foliage, blending blue-green leaves with creamy margins and warm pink, red, and orange tones as temperatures cool. This constant color evolution gives it movement and personality, making borders feel more dynamic over time. The upright, clump-forming habit provides structure, but the plant’s strength lies in its ability to change character through the seasons rather than dominate a space.

Compared to Tasmanian Tiger Euphorbia, Ascot Rainbow is warmer and more playful, though less crisp in contrast. Against Blackbird and Bonfire, it feels lighter and more colorful, while those varieties bring depth and intensity. When paired with Glacier Blue, Ascot Rainbow becomes the more expressive partner, adding energy to calm plantings. Unlike Diamond Frost, it contributes presence and mass rather than airy texture. Gardeners love Ascot Rainbow for its shifting color and ability to keep plantings visually interesting all year.