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Euonymus japonicus Mikajo - Japanese Spindle

Euonymus japonicus Mikajo
Japanese Spindle, Evergreen Spindle

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More information

A dwarf Japanese Spindle with particularly decorative foliage in spring. It is then adorned with variegated creamy-white young shoots that turn green in summer. Moderately hardy, this compact shrub naturally forms a ball shape. Suitable for neutral (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline) soil that is deep and rich, it also requires a certain freshness. This young plant does not tolerate soil or air drought and is therefore not suitable for warmer locations.
Height at maturity
50 cm
Spread at maturity
60 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -9°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November
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Flowering time July
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Description

Euonymus japonicus Mikajo is a dwarf variety of Japanese Spindle with slow growth. In spring, this dwarf spindle produces young, very bright, cream-coloured leaves that contrast with the dark green foliage. In summer, this colour fades and disappears, and the shrub becomes entirely green again until the following spring. Its evergreen foliage and compact ball-shaped habit make it a great plant for container planting on a balcony. In open ground, it will adapt to most rich, fresh soils, as it is moderately hardy.

The Japanese Spindle belongs to the Celastraceae family, which is not very common in our gardens. It is native, as its name suggests, to Japan, but is also found in China and Korea. In the wild, this large shrub 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 and its growth rate is quite slow.
The 'Mikajo' cultivar, with a much more compact development, also stands out for its foliage, which is coloured only part of the year, unlike many other variegated cultivars. In 'Mikajo', the young leaves that emerge at the end of branches in spring are of a very bright creamy colour. From a distance, they could almost be mistaken for flowers, especially if you choose to plant them in a beautiful decorative container, like a flowerpot. Then, green spots develop and eventually cover the entire surface of these leaves. In summer, the plant becomes entirely green again, with small ovate leaves measuring 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 in) long forming a compact mass of a beautiful slightly shiny hue.
This subshrub can reach 60 cm (23.6 in) in all directions, it is truly a miniature plant. It can adapt to most soil types (except very acidic or lime-rich), as long as the soil is sufficiently moist, as it does not tolerate drought. It is best planted in full sun so that its spring colouration can be fully expressed. This small spindle is moderately hardy (maximum -10 °C), so it is advisable to choose a location sheltered from cold winds or a well-exposed wall in slightly cooler climates. In colder locations, it is preferable to plant it in a container so that it can be overwintered in a garage or cool room during freezing episodes.

Euonymus japonicus Mikajo will fully display its potential when planted in groups, to create attractive borders along a terrace or path. It is also very decorative when grown in a beautiful glazed pottery on a balcony or terrace. If it is integrated into a flowerbed, care must be taken not to plant vegetation with vigorous growth next to it, as it may suffocate the spindle. Ground cover perennials with reduced leaf size will be good companions, especially those that are proportionate to our spindle. Acaena inermis Purpurea, with its delicate, finely cut foliage that changes colour from pink to purple, will be a perfect choice. In golden tones, Lysimachia will also create an excellent colour contrast.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 50 cm
Spread at maturity 60 cm
Habit ball, spherical
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour insignificant
Flowering time July

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour variegated with white

Botanical data

Genus

Euonymus

Species

japonicus

Cultivar

Mikajo

Family

Celastraceae

Other common names

Japanese Spindle, Evergreen Spindle

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference1001031

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Planting and care

Euonymus japonicus 'Mikajo' is preferably planted in spring in any well-drained soil, in a sunny or lightly shaded position. It prefers deep, humus-rich soils that remain moist and tolerates the presence of limestone. It is susceptible to severe frosts and is hardy to approximately -10 °C once established. Young plants will benefit from protection during the first winters, depending on the region.
On the other hand, hot and dry climates are not suitable for this evergreen spindle, as it may become affected by mealybugs and sooty mould, which will require frequent treatment with black soap.

Apply fertiliser twice a year, in early spring and autumn. In case of drought, water to maintain its beautiful foliage. If the plant is grown in a container, it is necessary to replace the growing substrate once a year in spring. Protect your pot if severe frosts are forecasted (< -5 °C).
Due to its limited growth, this dwarf spindle requires no pruning, at most a light trimming of the tops in summer (after the disappearance of decorative variegations) to maintain its shape if necessary.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Edge of border, Container, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -9°C (USDA zone 8b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 3 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Neutral, Any
Soil type Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, rich

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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