Euonymus japonicus Paloma Blanca - Japanese Spindle

The Euonymus japonicus 'Paloma Blanca' is a small Japanese spindle tree, forming a compact and upright bush. This variety is very original with its white young shoots, which irresistibly attract attention and contrast beautifully with the dark green foliage. Evergreen, this adorable little "white dove" will be a full-fledged element of the decor: it will brighten up rock gardens, form an original and refined border, or decorate the terrace even in the middle of winter. The bush will thrive in light shade, in ordinary soil, even limestone, but it must remain moist.

The Japanese spindle tree belongs to the Celastraceae family. It is native, as its name suggests, to Japan. But, it 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 on the coast where it can become a tree of up to 8m (26 ft 2 in) tall. Its hardiness is around -12°C (10.4 °F), and its growth is quite slow.

The 'Paloma Blanca' cultivar, with slow growth, will reach about 50cm (19.7 in) in height and 30cm (11.8 in) in spread at maturity. Its dimensions can be easily limited if the bush is pruned every spring. Its natural habit is very dense and upright. Well-branched from the base, its branches bear dense foliage, composed of glossy, leathery, and rigid leaves. They are lanceolate to ovate in shape, irregularly shaped, dentate along the edges, and slightly undulate. The young shoots are a very bright pure white. They gradually become ivory white, then light green, ending up shiny dark green.

The Euonymus japonicus 'Paloma Blanca' is valuable for creating miniature hedges along pathways or terraces, or for pot cultivation. Its contrasting and luminous foliage works wonders in the semi-shaded areas of the garden. Well-adapted to coastal areas and urban gardens, the Japanese spindle tree 'Paloma Blanca' can be planted alongside robust ground covers such as Teucrium chamaedrys, adorned with Erigeron karvinskianus and Acanthus Whitewater, with beautifully variegated foliage and soft pink flower spikes.

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