Euonymus europaeus Chrysophyllus

Euonymus europaeus 'Chrysophyllus' is a variety of European spindle or bishop's hat that stands out for its intense yellow spring foliage. Its brightly coloured fruits cause the branches to arch at the end of summer and throughout much of winter. The foliage takes on warm tones as soon as the first chill arrives, harmonising with all the colours of autumn. This deciduous bush is ideal for informal hedges or hedgerows, shrub borders, or as a specimen plant to enjoy its colours throughout the seasons.

Euonymus europaeus 'Chrysophyllus', discovered in Hungary, was introduced to the horticultural market around 1921 by L. Späth of Berlin. The species belongs to the Celastraceae family. The 'Chrysophyllus' cultivar is rarely available for sale. It is a fairly fast-growing bush with an upright and slightly spreading habit. When fully grown, the plant will reach approximately 2.50m in height and 2m in width. This spindle is not invasive. You can even lightly prune it to give it a more "tidy" silhouette.

Its branches, with greyish and slightly fissured bark, bear lanceolate leaves measuring 5 to 7cm long, with barely toothed edges. They change from bright yellow in spring to yellowish-green in summer. Towards the end of the season, the foliage takes on shades of yellow, orange, and a touch of red, depending on the climate. In April-May, the small flowers appear. They do not exceed 1cm in diameter, are white with yellow and green highlights and consist of 4 tiny petals and a green centre. Grouped in cymes, they attract pollinators and gradually form unique and highly decorative fruits. The capsule, formed by 4 dark pink lobes, will slowly open to reveal bright orange berries. They are toxic, as are other parts of the bush: leaves and bark. However, birds will feed on them during the winter.

Euonymus 'Chrysophyllus' is hardy and prefers full sun, but also thrives in partial shade. It is an undemanding bush. It can be used in hedgerows, combined with hawthorns, wayfaring trees, smokebush, medlar trees, and ornamental fruiting roses, in borders or as a standalone specimen in a collector's garden. Its very yellow foliage in spring breaks the monotony of a grove or a rural hedge. This bush provides shelter and food for the small fauna of the garden.