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Plant Brief

Euphorbia 'Aperitif'
from Mark van Kesteren

Introduced 2003

NO LONGER SOLD AS A DAWIN PLANTSPOTTERS VARIETY

The appealing mix of blue-green foliage and red stems typical of E. martinii is now available in a smaller, neater package.

Great for growing in containers or placing at the front of the border.

Height: 14”/ 35cm
Spread: 20”/ 50cm
Hardiness: US zones 5-8
Blooms: March-May 

Common name:
Flowering Spurge

Patent status:
USA PPAF. Europe, PPAF

 
 
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All you need to know
03-12-2003 17:47 Euphorbia 'Mini Martini'/'Aperitif' needs minimal attention to provide years of pleasure.
By Arie Blom   

Arie gets the low down from Mark van Kesteren.

 

In general
Performs best in full sun in well-drained soil, which can be medium fertile to fairly poor.

Avoid wet winter conditions
Euphorbia 'Mini Martini'/‘Aperitif’ is a mutant of E. x martinii, which itself is a hybrid between E. amygdaloides and E. characiasThe  E. characias heritage makes it fairly hardy, but it is still better not to plant it in very cold and exposed positions. Persistent lower temperatures, especially when combined with damp soils are are very challenging for E. 'Mini Martini'/’Aperitif’. In this case, winter protection can be provided with dried bracken, straw, branches and prunings.

Flower stem management
Stems will flower in the spring of their second year and die back afterwards. During this flowering period new shoots are developed, which will flower the following spring. When the flowering stems loose their beauty, they can be cut back, leaving the young shoots. If all the stems, or even the basal stem is cut to one inch above soil surface, new shoots will be developed. This can be done before end of June, but any later poses a risk that the new shoots will not have enough time to develop enough flowers for the following year.

Other problems
Apart from the cold, the only thing that might spoil your fun with your E. 'Mini Martini'/‘Aperitif’ is soft rot, but if you can avoid this by ensuring the soil doesn't stay too wet.

 
The Breeder
Mark van Kesteren
By Miriam Young
Mark van Kesteren’s story is a simple, yet inspiring tale of achievement earned through hard work, learning from the master and using a little imagination to progress.
The Story Behind the Plant
Euphobia 'Mini Martini'/ 'Aperitif'
By Miriam Young
"So nice, they named it twice". But why?
Growing Tips
All you need to know
By Arie Blom
Euphorbia 'Mini Martini'/'Aperitif' needs minimal attention to provide years of pleasure.
Forum
General discussion on Euphorbia 'Aperitif'/'Mini Martini'
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