Euonymus japonicus

Euonymus japonicus leaf (12/12/10, Brighton)

Position: Full sun to shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 3m

Eventual Spread: 3m

Hardiness: 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a1.5

Family: Celastraceae

Euonymus japonicus is a fast growing, evergreen, medium sized shrub. Its glossy dark green leaves are ovate with serrate margins, up to 10cm long and 5cm broad. The green/ white flowers are small star shaped and up to 5mm across. Its fruit are small spherical pink fruits with orange seeds.

Euonymus japonicus (12/12/10, Brighton)

Euonymus japonicus, commonly known as Japanese spindle, is native to Japan, Korea and China.

The etymological root of the binomial name Euonymus is derived from the Greek eu ’good’ and onoma ’name’. Japonicus is derived from the Latin meaning ‘of Japan’.

The landscape architect may find Euonymus japonicus useful as an evergreen hedging plant particularly in shady locations. It is drought tolerant once established. It is tolerant of maritime conditions.

Euonymus japonicus flower (09/07/2011, London)

Ecologically, Euonymus japonicus is pollinated by insects including bees and flies.

Euonymus japonicus prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will not tolerate waterlogged soil.

Euonymus japonicus requires little maintenance. If maintained as a hedge it may be cut in May and early autumn if necessary. If necessary it can be cut back heavily, also in May.