Euonymus japonicus - Japanese Spindle

Please note this plant is only available for pick up at TA18 8BN

Seen this plant on our farm gate stall?

Euonymus japonicus, commonly known as Japanese spindle or evergreen spindle, is a dense, bushy evergreen shrub grown for its glossy dark green foliage and reliable year-round structure. It can be clipped, shaped or left to form a handsome screening shrub or small garden tree.

Its evergreen leaves, tolerance of pruning and adaptable nature make it a useful choice for hedging, mixed borders, coastal-style planting, formal gardens and low-maintenance evergreen structure.

Why grow Japanese Spindle?

• Glossy evergreen foliage for year-round colour and structure
• Useful for hedging, screening, topiary and clipped garden forms
• Suitable for full sun or partial shade
• Adaptable to a wide range of garden soils
• Small greenish flowers may be followed by ornamental pink-orange fruits
• Tolerates pruning well, making it easy to manage in smaller gardens

Plant information

Botanical name: Euonymus japonicus
Common name: Japanese spindle, evergreen spindle
Plant type: Evergreen shrub or small tree
Flower colour: Small greenish flowers, occasionally followed by pink and orange fruits
Flowering period: Early summer
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Soil: Adaptable to chalk, clay, loam or sandy soils, provided drainage is reasonable
Eventual height: Approximately 2.5-4 metres if left unpruned
Eventual spread: Approximately 1.5-2.5 metres, depending on pruning and conditions
Hardiness: Hardy in many UK gardens, though young plants benefit from shelter in exposed cold sites

Planting and care

Plant in well-prepared soil in sun or partial shade. Water regularly during the first growing season, especially in dry weather, while the roots establish.

Trim lightly after flowering or during the growing season to maintain shape. Established plants can be clipped into hedges or formal shapes; avoid hard pruning during severe heat, drought or frost.

For hedging plant Plant 5 to 6 per metre (20 cm apart).

For florists and flower arrangers

The glossy evergreen foliage can be useful as structural greenery in seasonal arrangements, especially where clean, dark leaves are needed for contrast.

Please note

Euonymus species may be harmful if eaten by people or pets, especially berries and seeds. Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin and keep prunings away from grazing animals.

The RHS describes Euonymus japonicus as a bushy evergreen shrub or small tree with dark green oval leaves, small greenish flowers and occasional pink-orange fruit, suitable for full sun or partial shade in a range of soils.  References describe it as a dense broadleaf evergreen shrub, tolerant of pruning and useful for hedging or screening.