Japanese Spindle Tree
Euonymus japonicus
Also listed as Euonymus carrierei, Euonymus pulchellus
Also known as Japanese Spindle, Evergreen Spindle, Evergreen Spindletree
Climate Match for your location
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A compact evergreen shrub with glossy, deep green foliage and small greenish-white flowers followed by colorful pink and orange capsules. Hardy and versatile, it works well as a hedge, screen, or specimen plant.
Why grow it
Japanese spindle tree offers reliable year-round structure as an evergreen in temperate regions where many deciduous shrubs lose their form seasonally. Compared to other compact hedging evergreens like boxwood or privet, it tolerates a wider range of soil conditions and requires less frequent pruning to maintain shape. The persistent fruit capsules provide visual interest through fall and early winter when many similar species have faded.
Watch out for
Growth rate can vary significantly based on sunlight and soil drainage, so plants may take longer to fill in a hedge line than expected from nursery specimens grown in optimal conditions. In humid climates with poor air circulation, powdery mildew and scale insects can develop, requiring attention to spacing and monitoring rather than routine treatment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Celastraceae
Native Range
Japan
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Euonymus japonicus microphyllus 'Variegatus' is a cultivar of Euonymus japonicus. This cultivar carries small, white-edged leaves on a compact form, distinct from the plain green species.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A compact evergreen shrub with glossy, deep green foliage and small greenish-white flowers followed by colorful pink and orange capsules. Hardy and versatile, it works well as a hedge, screen, or specimen plant.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Japanese Spindle Tree grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Japanese spindle tree offers reliable year-round structure as an evergreen in temperate regions where many deciduous shrubs lose their form seasonally. Compared to other compact hedging evergreens like boxwood or privet, it tolerates a wider range of soil conditions and requires less frequent pruning to maintain shape. The persistent fruit capsules provide visual interest through fall and early winter when many similar species have faded.
Watch out for
Growth rate can vary significantly based on sunlight and soil drainage, so plants may take longer to fill in a hedge line than expected from nursery specimens grown in optimal conditions. In humid climates with poor air circulation, powdery mildew and scale insects can develop, requiring attention to spacing and monitoring rather than routine treatment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Celastraceae
Native Range
Japan
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Euonymus japonicus microphyllus 'Variegatus' is a cultivar of Euonymus japonicus. This cultivar carries small, white-edged leaves on a compact form, distinct from the plain green species.