Frost

I bought this plant from the "Poorly section :)" of a garden centre with the hope of nursing it. I think it was exposed to the frosty weather that we had and has somewhat wilted but doesnt seem be regain its shape and has wilting branches. If I were to cut it back will it regain its health again?

Lisa

Re: Frost

Reply from Kathy C

Hi, Lisa,
Euphorbia x martinii 'Ascot Rainbow' is pretty hardy - in fact, recent tests in the US show it can handle temps down to -20C (at least). So, unless the container it was/is in froze, I don't think the cold is what is wrong with it. Sounds more like neglect from the garden centre combined with looking a bit tatty in winter. Is it getting too much water or not enough? Either one can cause wilting. Keep in mind, it doesn't like winter wet at all. Since Euphorbia x martinii is technically a subshrub, it is put in pruning group 6 and the best way/time to prune is to cut back flower shoots in late summer or early autumn. However, since yours is unhappy, I would give it good prune once buds start to swell/new growth just starts to appear in spring. Let me know what you do/how you get on.
Kathy C

Re: Re: Frost

Reply from Lisa

Hello Kathy,

Excuse the late reply. I'm so grateful for your advice, I actually cut all three plants right back and have kept everything crossed, to tell the truth I'm glad for the wonderful temperatures we've been having followed by a wee shower today.

Lisa x