Introducing...
Euonymus
Common name: Spindle
Euonymus are versatile, easy-to-grow shrubs. From neat evergreens with variegated leaves to deciduous types with outstanding autumn foliage and fruits, there's a place for one in every garden.
Looks
Deciduous euonymus are shrubs or small trees with brilliant autumn leaf colour in shades of red or pink. Their decorative fruits split open to reveal colourful seeds. Evergreen euonymus are shrubs, either upright or low and wide, with glossy green or brightly variegated leaves all year round.
Likes
They grow in any well-drained soil, and many can tolerate dry sites. They are generally tough, resilient shrubs, with options that will thrive in most situations, from full sun to shade.
Dislikes
Euonymus generally dislike permanently wet soil. Variegated forms become leggy or straggly in deep shade, as they strive for more light.
Did you know?
Euonymus, especially E. alatus and E. europaeus, thrive on chalky soil, so are especially valuable as many other shrubs noted for brilliant autumn colour need acid soil. Most can also cope in exposed sites, so are good choices for coastal gardens.
Growing guide
How to grow euonymus
All the information you’ll need to grow and care for euonymus in your garden.
Euonymus we recommend
Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus Albovariegatus' (v)
spindle 'Microphyllus Albovariegatus'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin' (v)
spindle 'Harlequin'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus Albovariegatus' (v)
spindle 'Microphyllus Albovariegatus'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin' (v)
spindle 'Harlequin'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Useful advice
Shrubs: evergreen by size
Chalky soils: plants for
Hedges: selection
Shrubs: pruning evergreens
Ground cover plants
Trees and shrubs: planting
Poor autumn colour
Euonymus scale
Get involved
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