Care of the shrub Euonymus japonicus or Japanese spindle |
The genus Euonymus, family Celastraceae, includes 130 species of evergreen or deciduous trees and shrubs, native to China, Japan, North America, the Caucasus, and Australia. Some species are: Euonymus japonicus, Euonymus fortunei, Euonymus atropurpureus, Euonymus alata, Euonymus europaeus, Euonymus oxyphyllus, Euonymus planipes, Euonymus americanus, Euonymus radicans, Euonymus wilsonii. Common names: Japanese spindle, Evergreen spindle. This species is native to Japan, Korea and China. They are shrubs or trees that reach 8 m (26.24 feet) in height. They have evergreen leaves toothed, smooth, shiny, oval and in opposite pairs. The flowers are whitish, greenish or purple in color. The fruits are reddish capsules. Japanese spindle is used to form hedges, in bushy groups, as isolated specimens and in large pots (at least 70 cm/2.29 feet deep and 40 cm/1.31 feet wide) for patios and terraces. It's ideal for coastal gardens. Euonymus japonicus need full sun or semi-shade exposure. It resists light and occasional frosts. The soil must be rich in organic matter and well drained with coarse sand. Water frequently so that the substrate does not dry out completely; never flood. Fertilize in fall with compost or manure. In spring use mineral fertilizer with sulfur once a month. It's preferable not to prune them. Euonymus japonicus can be attacked by aphids and by powdery mildew, especially in summer. Evergreen spindle propagates by cuttings of 10 cm (3.93") in spring or summer; propagation from seeds is a slow process. |
Images of the shrub Euonymus japonicus or Japanese spindle |