Euonymus japonicus Louisette - Japanese Spindle

The Euonymus japonicus 'Louisette' (syn. 'Viridivariegatus') is a variety of Japanese spindle bush adorned with evergreen foliage, finely variegated with cream white, ornamental and bright. This bush has a rounded, compact habit and a modest growth, well suited for creating trimmed or living hedges, decorative in all seasons. This variety is also well adapted for container cultivation, providing a more permanent structure to your compositions. Moderately hardy, the Japanese spindle bush can be grown without difficulty in any well-drained soil, even limestone and occasionally dry. This bush also tolerates coastal conditions.

The Japanese spindle bush belongs to the family of Celastraceae. It is native, as its name suggests, to Japan. But it is also found in China and Korea. In nature, this large bush grows on slopes, in open areas, on the edge of forests, and even by the seaside where it can reach a height of 8 metres (26 feet 2 inches) and is hardy to approximately -10°C. Its growth is quite slow and its foliage remains throughout the year, even in winter.

'Louisette' is a medium-sized selection that develops oval to rounded, glossy leaves, finely and regularly edged with cream white on a dark green background. This bush reaches a height of 1.5 metres (4 feet 11 inches) and a width of 1 metre and naturally exhibits a compact, rounded and dense habit. Well-branched from the base, its upright branches bear dense foliage composed of small, glossy, tough, and rigid variegated leaves. They are oval in shape, 2 cm (0.8 in) long, and finely toothed along the edges. Discreet flowering occurs in May-June, at the tips of young shoots. Tiny white-greenish flowers with 4 petals are clustered together. They are pollinated by insects and are followed by small green fruits that turn pink and orange in autumn, hanging under the branches.

The 'Louisette' Japanese spindle bush is valuable for creating small evergreen hedges, to edge a themed garden or create perspective in a more formal garden. It can also be used in low shrub borders,  contrasting with small Flower Power periwinkles, a Midnight physocarpus, a barberry, Phormiums, tall sedums, or even bush or ground cover roses. At the back of borders, its variegated foliage enhances flowers and looks striking in the semi-shaded areas of the garden. Well adapted to coastal areas and urban gardens, the Japanese spindle bush is often used to create hedges along pathways or to protect the property from wind and prying eyes. It adapts well to container cultivation, which can be placed on the terrace or balcony, and is well-suited for pruning. The plant can be shaped into various forms, allowing the gardener to experiment with topiary art.

Tip: In case of drought, water to maintain beautiful foliage.