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Euonymus nanus

dwarf spindle tree

A deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub, with a low, spreading habit and angled stems. Leaves are narrowly oblong, almost linear, and deep green, sometimes turning bright red in autumn. Small, brownish-purple flowers are produced in late spring, followed by deep pink, four-winged seed cases that split open to reveal bright orange seeds

Synonyms
Euonymus rosmarinifolius
Euonymus farreri hort.
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Brown Green
Summer Green Pink Orange
Autumn Green Red Pink Orange
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Celastraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous or Semi evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Euonymus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, often with fine autumn colour, and small flowers followed by colourful fruits

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows in most well-drained soils in sun or part shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
Pruning

Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil, horse chestnut scale, euonymus scale and caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and a leaf spot

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