Euonymus | Spindle Shrubs

Euonymous alatus is a large, dense, spreading deciduous shrub with oval, green leaves, that turn spectacularly scarlet-red in autumn. Tiny, inconspicuous, greenish flowers bloom in spring and summer, and are followed by highly ornamental purple and red fruits in autumn and throughout the winter. Bare winter branches are attractive because of their “corky” wings.

Euonymous alatus can grow in a wide range of soils, but thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It prefers full sun and the best leaf colour is achieved in full sun, but tolerates partial shade and generally, pest-free. Attractive to birds.

It can withstand severe pruning, and has a tendency to be invasive. Euonymous alatus is a stunning shrub with beautiful fiery red autumn foliage, hence the name Burning Bush. It is perfect as a specimen plant, great for informal hedges and screens, wall-side borders, and shrub borders. Best-looking when planted against evergreens.

Euonymus japonicus 'Ovatus Aureus' is a medium-sized, bushy, upright, evergreen shrub with lovely, variegated foliage. Broad, oval, glossy leaves are light green when young and dark green when mature, with broad golden-yellow margins. Flowers are small, inconspicuous, greenish and bloom in summer. Sometimes, they are followed by pink fruit in autumn. Euonymus japonicus 'Ovatus Aureus' thrives in average, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade, but is adaptable to various types of soils, except extremely wet. It is very tough and resilient, tolerant of heat, cold, salt, wind, and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant and easy to grow. Great for shady garden corners. This small, adaptable plant is a great addition to any garden – informal, cottage, urban, or coastal. It is perfect as a ground cover, for shrub borders and mixed borders, hedges and screens. It is easy to shape and can be formed into a nice topiary. Suitable for growing in containers.

Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus', commonly referred to as Japanese spindle or microphyllus boxleaf euonymus, is a compact and versatile evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, small-leaved foliage and robust growth habit. This variety is particularly noted for its diminutive leaf size, which adds a fine texture to garden compositions. The leaves are leathery, glossy, and deep green, typically measuring about 1-2 cm in length. They are tightly packed along the stems, creating a lush, bushy appearance that is ideal for formal gardens or as a foundation planting.

Originating from East Asia, Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus' is widely appreciated for its adaptability and ease of maintenance. It thrives in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained, fertile soil. This shrub is also tolerant of salt, making it a suitable choice for coastal areas. It performs best in full sun to partial shade and can withstand moderate drought conditions once established.

The plant’s growth habit is upright and dense, typically reaching heights of about 2-3 feet, with a similar spread. This controlled growth makes it an excellent candidate for topiary or hedging. It can be easily shaped into various forms and is often used in borders or as a low, formal hedge.

Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus' is relatively pest and disease resistant, though it can be susceptible to scale insects and fungal diseases if conditions are poor. Regular monitoring and preventive maintenance can help ensure the plant remains healthy and attractive.

Euonymus japonicus 'Ovatus Aureus' is a medium-sized, bushy, upright, evergreen shrub with lovely, variegated foliage. Broad, oval, glossy leaves are light green when young and dark green when mature, with broad golden-yellow margins. Flowers are small, inconspicuous, greenish and bloom in summer. Sometimes, they are followed by pink fruit in autumn. Euonymus japonicus 'Ovatus Aureus' thrives in average, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade, but is adaptable to various types of soils, except extremely wet. It is very tough and resilient, tolerant of heat, cold, salt, wind, and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant and easy to grow. Great for shady garden corners. This small, adaptable plant is a great addition to any garden – informal, cottage, urban, or coastal. It is perfect as a ground cover, for shrub borders and mixed borders, hedges and screens. It is easy to shape and can be formed into a nice topiary. Suitable for growing in containers.