Euonymus europaeus Albus

Euonymus europaeus 'Albus', also known as E. europaeus f. albus, is a lesser-known form of European spindle or bishop's cap. It is characterised by the white colour - instead of pinkish-red - of the capsule of its fruits. From late summer to mid-winter, the flexible branches of this bush are adorned with beautifully bicoloured fruits, white around a bright orange berry. Its foliage takes on a pale yellow, slightly greenish, luminous and soft hue as soon as the first cool temperatures arrive. Ideal as a hedge, in a flower bed, or as a standalone plant to admire this unique fruiting.

Euonymus europaeus f. albus has probably been cultivated since 1770. The typical species with pinkish-red fruits is very common. It belongs to the celastraceae family. The Albus form is a fairly fast-growing bush with an upright and slightly spreading habit. At maturity, the plant will reach approximately 2.50 m in height and 2 m in spread. This spindle is not invasive and therefore remains good company for its neighbours. You can even lightly prune it to give it a neater silhouette.

Its branches, with greyish and slightly fissured bark, bear small leaves measuring 5 to 7 cm long. They are of a medium green colour, lanceolate in shape, with barely toothed edges. In April-May, small flowers appear which do not exceed 1 cm in diameter. They are white with yellow and green highlights and consist of 4 tiny petals and a green centre. Grouped in cymes, they attract pollinators and will gradually form quite original and highly decorative fruits. The capsule, formed by 4 white to ivory lobes, will gently open to reveal light and vivid orange fruits. They are toxic, as are other parts of the bush: leaves and bark. However, birds will eat them in winter.

Euonymus 'Albus' is hardy and will thrive best in full sun exposure, but also in partial shade. It is a low-maintenance bush perfectly adapted to our climates and soils. It can be planted as a hedgerow, combined with hawthorns, wayfaring tree, smoke tree, medlars and ornamental fruiting roses, in a flower bed, or as a standalone specimen in a collector's garden.