Euonymus japonicus - Japanese Spindle

The Japanese spindle tree, Euonymus japonicus in Latin, is an evergreen bush of beautiful stature, often planted in coastal hedges for its good tolerance of sea spray. Its small leaves are a vibrant, glossy green, and its habit is naturally bushy and dense. It allows for the creation of large, evergreen hedges, trimmed or untrimmed, that are very impressive. Very tolerant of air pollution, attractive all year round, and lending itself admirably to topiary, it also has a place in urban gardens. This evergreen spindle tree is best cultivated in regions spared from very harsh winters and dry summers.                                                             

The Japanese spindle tree belongs to the Celastraceae family. Originally from Japan, as its name suggests, but also found in China and Korea. In the wild, this large bush grows on slopes, in open areas on the edge of forests, and even by the sea where it can reach a height of 8 meters (26 feet 2 inches) and become a tree. Its hardiness is around -12°C (10.4 °F), and its growth is quite slow. In gardens, it will reach an average height of 3.5 meters (11 feet 6 inches) with a spread of 2.5 meters, even more if not regularly trimmed. Naturally bushy, branched from the base, its upright branches bear dense foliage composed of shiny, vibrant green leaves. They are ovate in shape, measuring 3 to 7 cm (1.2 to 2.8 in) in length, with finely dentate edges. The discreet flowering takes place in May-June, at the end of the young shoots. Tiny white-greenish flowers with 4 petals are grouped in clusters. Flowers are pollinated by insects and then followed by the formation of small green fruits that turn pink and orange in autumn, hanging from the branches.

Well adapted to coastal areas and urban gardens, the Japanese spindle tree is often used to create hedges at the garden boundary to protect it from wind and prying eyes. It is a very good alternative to planting boxwood. It adapts well to container culture, which can be placed on the terrace or balcony, and is well-suited for pruning. Its height is less important in pots, as the plant can be shaped according to the gardener's whims, including topiary. In the ground, it can also be used in a grove, alone or combined with other evergreen bushes, such as purple laurel, Photinia Pink Marble, Elaeagnus ebbingei, evergreen Ceanothus, or Pittosporum. It will also be very useful for creating a dense screen at the edge of a terrace, facing prevailing winds.