Euonymus japonicus Microphyllus Albovariegatus - Japanese Spindle

The Euonymus japonicus Microphyllus Albovariegatus is a delightful variety of Japanese spindle tree. It is small in size but bushy, with fine, glossy foliage, green margined with white, resembling that of variegated boxwood. Bright and decorative throughout the year, this bush provides an elegant decoration, in a small hedge or in a container on the terrace. Excellent alternative to boxwood in partially shaded areas of the garden, tolerating pruning well, this bush prefers partial shade and moist soils, including those with a tendency to be chalky.

The Japanese spindle tree 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 the wild, 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 8m (26.2ft) and become a tree. Its hardiness is down to around -12°C (10.4°F), and its growth is quite slow. Its foliage persists throughout the year, even in winter.

'Microphyllus Albovariegatus' is a dwarf selection that develops small leaves, beautifully margined with white on a dark green background. This bush barely reaches 1m (3.3ft) in all directions and naturally has a bushy and dense habit. Well-branched from the base, its upright branches carry dense foliage composed of small, glossy, leathery and stiff leaves, dark green in the centre bordered with cream-white. They are ovate in shape, 2cm (0.8in) long, finely toothed at the edges. The low-key flowering takes place in May-June, at the tips of the young shoots. Tiny white-greenish flowers with 4 petals are grouped in clusters. They are pollinated by insects and followed by small green fruits that turn pink and orange in autumn, hanging under the branches.

The Japanese spindle tree 'Microphyllus Albovariegatus' is valuable for creating small evergreen hedges,  to divide areas in a themed garden or to create perspectives in a 'French-style' garden, for example. It can also be used in the composition of low shrub borders, playing on contrasts with small periwinkles, dark physocarpus, barberries, Phormium, large sedums, or even bush or ground cover roses. At the back of the borders, its variegated foliage enhances all flowers and works well in partially shaded areas of the garden. Well adapted to the seaside and urban gardens, the Japanese spindle tree is often used to create hedges along pathways or as property boundaries to protect against wind and prying eyes. It adapts well to container cultivation, which can be placed on the terrace or balcony, and is suitable for pruning. The plant can be shaped according to the gardener's wishes, allowing for topiary art.

Tip: Water during drought to maintain beautiful foliage.