Japanese Spindle

Japanese spindle is a small to medium-sized tree that is often used as a hedge or border plant in gardens all around the world.

It is very dense, highly tolerant of pruning, and has glossy leaves that add a nice sheen to the garden.

It is also very hardy, tolerating a wide fluctuation of temperatures throughout the year, coastal conditions, and droughts.

Botanical name: Euonymus japonicus

Other names: Box leaf euonymus, Evergreen euonymus, Japanese euonymus

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Japanese spindle is an evergreen shrub or small tree that often grows to 10-15 feet tall and 5-10 feet wide.

Leaves can sport different colors, such as dark green or dark green with yellow margins. They are waxy to the touch with serrated edges. They have a small, rounded shape at about 1-3 inches long and 1 inch wide.

Tiny, inconspicuous white flowers grow in clusters and at the end of the stems, attracting bees and butterflies.

Followed by red fruits that contain seeds.

Japanese spindle is a versatile landscaping plant due to its dense leaves and branches and tolerance for pruning.

Easily pruned and trained to a hedge or border. Never prune more than a third of the plant at once, as this can damage it.

It is a good candidate as a decorative hedge in a formal garden.

Water deeply, especially during the summer, to allow the trees to develop deep roots and soak up adequate water.

It performs best if shaded from the afternoon sun in the Coachella Valley.

Toxic if ingested.

It may lose some variegation if given too much fertilizer.

Japanese spindle is native to forests in Japan and Korea.

Soil: Loamy soils are best, but not particularly fussy as long as it’s fast-draining. Provide fertilizer at the beginning of spring.

Temperature: Heat and cold tolerant. Can withstand temperatures down to 0º F.

Water: Regular watering during warm temperatures. Allow the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. Either use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level. Requires less water once established.

Sun: Full sun. Partial shade is best in the Palm Springs area

Pests: Japanese spindle may attract pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale.

For aphids, blast them off with water if the infestation is light. Otherwise, use horticultural oil or soapy water.

To remove mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or apply rubbing alcohol directly to the area of the infestation using a cotton swab.

To remove scales, pick them off or use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Horticultural oil will kill both crawlers and adults with direct contact. Insecticidal soap is better used to target only the crawlers.

Whenever using any pesticide, be aware that it can damage the plant if the temperatures are in the 80s or above.

Signs of overwatering: Root rot, yellowing leaves

Signs of too little water: Shriveling leaves, leaf drop

Signs of too much sun: Leaf burn, dry foliage, and leaf drop

Signs of too little sun: Weak stems, stunted growth, leggy growth

Propagate Japanese spindle with stem cuttings. Plant cuttings with a few leaves intact in moist soil, preferably in a humid environment. Once it grows taller, keep it staked until it is mature.

HOW MUCH DOES A Japanese spindle COST?

At our nursery, a Japanese spindle costs $25 for a 5-gallon container and $75 for a 15-gallon container.

Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

Can Japanese spindle be grown in containers?

Yes, Japanese spindles may be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to allow the roots to grow.

When should I prune my Japanese spindle?

Light pruning can be done throughout the year unless the plant is under stress, such as during very hot or cold weather. If you want to cut back your Japanese spindle significantly, we recommend late winter or early spring in California.