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Euonymus cornutus var. quinquecornutus
  • RHS AGM

five-horned spindle

A deciduous, spreading shrub, to 2m tall and 3m wide, with narrow, lance-shaped, dark-green leaves. Small purplish-green flowers, borne in summer, are followed by pinkish-purple fruits characterised by five slender horn-like extensions with the appearance of a jester's cap. The fruit open to reveal bright orange seeds

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Purple Green Orange Pink Purple
Autumn Green Orange Pink Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Celastraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Plant range
W China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows well in most well-drained soils and is tolerant of drier conditions

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a leaf spot and sometimes honey fungus

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