Euonymus japonicus hedge is a beautiful, hardy, and low-maintenance hedge plant that is perfect for any garden. It is fast-growing and can reach up to 6 feet in height, making it an excellent choice for privacy screening or windbreaks. The dark green leaves are glossy and evergreen, providing year-round interest.
Also known as
- Spindle Tree
- Japanese Spindle
- Wintercreeper
- Burning Bush
- Pheasant Berry
Things to Know
- Euonymus japonicus, commonly called Japanese euonymus or spindle, is a dense, upright-growing, deciduous shrub that typically matures to 6-10 tall with a slightly larger spread.
- It is primarily native to woodlands, slopes and ravines in Japan, Korea and China.
- Foliage is dark green, glossy and ovate-elliptic to obovate-elliptic in shape. Leaves turn attractive shades of yellow, orange and red in fall.
- Inconspicuous, pale green flowers bloom in small clusters in late spring, giving way to tiny, round, blue-black fruits ( each to 1/4 wide) which mature in fall and often persist into winter. Flowers and fruits are both insignificant.
- Bestflowering occurs in full sun, but plant tolerates some light shade.
- Japanese spindle is an easy-to-grow shrub that adapts to a wide range of soils, including both dry and moist conditions.
- It is somewhat resistant to damage from deer and rabbits.
- This shrub is often used as a foundation planting, as a hedge or as a specimen shrub.
- prune as needed immediately after flowering.
- Japanese spindle is susceptible to a number of diseases, including leaf spot, powdery mildew and root rot.
Related plant:
Euonymus Japonicus Aureus
Planting Process
- For euonymus japonicus hedge, first step is to find a sunny or partially sunny location.
- Second step is to prepare the soil by tilling or spading to a depth of at least 6 inches.
- Third step is to remove any stones, sticks or other debris from the area.
- Fourth step is to level the area off with a rake.
- Fifth step is to add a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic matter such as compost or peat moss.
- Sixth step is to mix the organic matter into the top 6 inches of soil.
- Seventh step is to create ridges or furrows in the planting area, depending on the final height and width of the hedge.
- Eighth step is to plant the euonymus japonicus hedge plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
- Ninth step is to water the newly planted hedge thoroughly.
- Tenth step is to apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the plants to help conserve moisture and keep down weeds.
Related plant:
Chollipo Euonymus
The Soil
About soil condition, the euonymus japonicus hedge can grow in almost any type of soil as long as it is well-drained. It is not particular about pH and will do just fine in either acidic or alkaline soils. This plant does not like to sit in wet soil, so make sure to plant it in an area that has good drainage.
Light condition
Like the other Euonymus species, the Euonymus japonicus hedge requires full sun to partial sun exposure in order to thrive. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 6 feet in height, making it an ideal choice for privacy hedges and windbreaks. This tough plant is also resistant to deer and rabbits.
Ideal Temperature
The temperature conditions for growing euonymus japonicus hedge are quite important. If the temperature is too hot, the plant will not be able to produce flowers. If the temperature is too cold, the plant will not be able to produce new leaves. The optimum temperature for this plant is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.
Humidity Aspect
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40% to 60%. The plant can tolerate some degree of drought but will not thrive if the humidity is constantly below 40%. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will become yellow and fall off.
Fertilizer Requirement
Discussing fertilizer, this plant benefits from use of an all-purpose fertilizer in early spring. Once new growth begins, feed every 4 to 6 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the roots and stunt the plant's growth.
Light requirement
Pruning is a vital component to maintaining a healthy and strong euonymus japonicus hedge. Regular pruning helps to encourage new growth, while also promoting the plant's overall health and vigor. While there are many different ways to prune a euonymus japonicus hedge, the most important thing is to do it regularly and carefully.
About Propagating
Propagation for euonymus japonicus is typically done through stem cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer, as this is when the plant is most actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, non-flowering stems, and should be around 4-6 inches in length. Cuttings can be placed directly into potting mix or soil, or started in water first and then transplanted once roots have developed.
Growth Rate
Usually, the plant growth rate is about 2 to 3 feet per year, but with proper care and fertilizer, the growth rate can be closer to 4 feet per year. The plant does best in Partial shade to full sun. It should be watered regularly and fertilized 3 times per year.
Basic Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant include leaf spot, stem canker, and root rot. These problems are often caused by excessive moisture or poor drainage. To prevent these problems, make sure to plant euonymus japonicus in well-drained soil and water only as needed.
List to Know
- Remember to water your euonymus japonicus hedge regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Feed your hedge twice a year with a balanced fertilizer to keep it looking its best.
- Prune your hedge annually to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
- Avoid planting your hedge in wet or poorly drained soil.
- Euonymus japonicus hedges are relatively tolerant of salt and pollution, making them ideal for urban gardens.
- This hedge plant is deciduous, so it will lose its leaves in winter.
- Euonymus japonicus is relatively slow-growing, so be patient when waiting for it to reach its full height.
- This hedge is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, so keep an eye out for any problems and treat them promptly.
- Euonymus japonicus can be invasive in some areas, so
Alternative Plants
- Euonymus japonicus globosus
- Euonymus japonicus green rocket
- Euonymus japonicus green rocket
- Euonymus japonicus green rocket
- Euonymus japonicus green rocket
- Euonymus japonicus green rocket
- Euonymus japonicus microphyllus
- Euonymus japonicus microphyllus
- Euonymus japonicus microphyllus
- Euonymus japonicus microphyllus
Source:
Euonymus Scale - Penn State Extension
Euonymus Diseases - Penn State Extension
Euonymus Scale Wisconsin Horticulture
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
