Maintenance Landscaping Design

Euonymus japonicus green spire is a plant that is native to Japan. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The leaves are glossy and dark green in color. The flowers are small and white in color. The fruit is a small, reddish-purple berry.

Alternative name

• Spindle tree
  
• Evergreen euonymus
  
• Japanese euonymus
  
• Tree-of-Heaven
  
• Chinese sumac

Things to Know

• Euonymus japonicus 'Green Spire' is a popular evergreen shrub that is often used as a hedge or foundation plant.
  
• It is native to Japan and Korea.
  
• The plant grows to be about 6-8 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.
  
• The leaves of the 'Green Spire' are dark green and glossy, and they are arranged in a spiral pattern on the stems.
  
• The plant produces small, greenish-white flowers in the springtime, which are followed by colorful, orange-red fruits.
  
• Euonymus japonicus 'Green Spire' is easy to care for and is relatively drought tolerant.
  
• It does best in full sun to partial shade, and prefers well-drained soils.
  
• The plant can be propagated by seed, softwood cuttings, or semi-ripe cuttings.
  
• Euonymus japonicus 'Green Spire' is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including scale insects, aphids, leaf spots, and root rot.
  
• It is important to choose a planting site carefully, as the 'Green Spire' can be difficult to remove once it is established.

Related plant:
Euonymus Japonicus Aureus

Planting Process

1. For euonymus japonicus green spire, first step is to take the plant out of the pot and check the roots. If the roots are too tightly packed, it's time for a new pot.
   
2. loosen the roots and replant in a pot that is one size larger.
   
3. Use fresh potting mix and water well.
   
4. Place the pot in a location that receives bright indirect light.
   
5. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
   
6. Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
   
7. Prune as needed to shape the plant and encourage new growth.
   
8. In winter, reduce watering and fertilizer.
   
9. Bring the pot indoors if temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
   
10. Watch for pests and diseases and treat as needed.

Related plant:
Euonymus Europaeus Red Cascade

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, euonymus japonicus green spire prefers well-drained soils, and can tolerate a wide range of soils including clay. It is intolerant of wet soils. It can grow in full sun or partial shade.

Light requirement

So, like the other Euonymus Japonicus, Green Spire requires full sun to partial shade. It is a heat tolerant plant and can even grow in full sun. But if you live in an area with hot summers, it is best to grow this plant in partial shade.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of euonymus japonicus green spire is between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. This plant grows best in shady areas and in soil that is moist but well-drained.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this kind of plant need high concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to thrive. The best fertilizer for euonymus japonicus green spire is Osmocote 14-14-14. For best results, apply the fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Be sure to follow the package directions for application rates. As for the roots, euonymus japonicus green spire has a shallow root system, so it is important to mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture. Be sure not to put the mulch too close to the stem, as this can cause the plant to rot.

Plant Pruning

Pruning euonymus japonicus green spire is best done in late winter or early spring. This plant responds well to hard pruning, so don't be afraid to cut it back. It's a good idea to prune off any dead or damaged branches. This plant can also be pruned to create a hedge.

About Propagating

Propagation is most successful with softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from young, vigorous shoots that are just beginning to harden off and should be about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. Cut just below a leaf node and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cuttings into a hormone rooting powder and plant in moistened, well-drained seed compost or perlite. Place the pot in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight and keep the compost moist but not waterlogged. Rooting usually takes place within 4-8 weeks. Once rooted, pot on individual plants into 3-4 inch (8-10 cm) pots filled with a good quality potting compost and grow on until large enough to plant out in their permanent positions.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 1 to 2 feet per year, with a rapid growth rate in the first year that then tapers off. However, newer cultivars have been developed that boast a growth rate of 3 to 4 feet per year. If you're looking for a plant that will quickly fill in an empty space in your garden, green spire euonymus is a good choice.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are over watering, unbalanced fertilizer, and disease. These problems can lead to the leaves of the plant turning yellow and falling off, the stems becoming weak, and the plant not being able to flower or fruit properly. To prevent these problems, it is important to water the plant only when the soil is dry, to fertilize it evenly, and to keep an eye out for signs of disease.

Basics of Growing

• Do not forget to water your euonymus japonicus green spire plant regularly. They are quite drought tolerant, but will not thrive if left too dry.
  
• Place your plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight.
  
• Fertilize your euonymus japonicus green spire plant regularly using a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
  
• These plants are relatively pest and disease resistant, but scale and mealybugs can be a problem. Be sure to check your plant regularly for any signs of these pests.
  
• Euonymus japonicus green spire plants are relatively fast growers. They can reach up to 6 feet in height and 4 feet in width.
  
• These plants are perfect for use as hedges or foundation planting.
  
• Green Spire plants are also great for topiary and can

Alternative Plants

• Euonymus atropurpureus.
  
• Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety'.
  
• Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n' Gold'.
  
• Euonymus 'J.C. van Tol'.

Source:
Euonymus japonicus 'Green spire' - Missouri University of …
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Euonymus japonicus 'Green Spire'
Euonymus japonicus 'Green spire' - University of Missouri …