How to Grow Euonymus Japonicus White Spire - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Euonymus japonicus white spire is an ornamental plant that isnative to China and Japan. The plant is known for its white flowers which bloom in the summer. The plant is also known for its glossy green leaves.

How to Grow Euonymus Japonicus White Spire - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Spindle tree
  • Japanese euonymus
  • Burning bush
  • Wintercreeper
  • Mountain fire

Good to Know

  • It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 m in height.
  • It has opposite, simple leaves that are 6-12 cm long and 3-5 cm wide.
  • The leaves are dark green in color with a white midrib.
  • It blooms in late spring or early summer, with small, greenish-white flowers.
  • The fruit is a small, orange-red capsule that splits open to release the seeds.
  • It is native to Japan, Korea, and China.
  • It is commonly planted as an ornamental shrub in gardens and parks.
  • It is also used as a hedge plant or as a groundcover.
  • It is tolerant of a range of soil types and conditions.
  • It is generally a low-maintenance plant.

Related plant:
Euonymus Japonicus Aureus

Growing Steps

  1. For euonymus japonicus white spire, first step is to take a cutting from a healthy plant.
  2. Cut a stem that is about 4-6 inches long from the plant.
  3. Remove the leaves from the lower 2/3 of the stem.
  4. Dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone.
  5. Plant the stem in a pot filled with well-drained potting mix.
  6. Water the potting mix well and keep it moist.
  7. Place the pot in a bright location but not in direct sunlight.
  8. In a few weeks, roots will begin to form and new growth will appear on the stem.
  9. Once the plant is well-rooted, transplant it into a larger pot or into the ground.
  10. Water regularly and fertilize every few weeks during the growing season.

Related plant:
Euonymus Jean Hughes

Soil Condition

About soil condition, euonymus japonicus white spire prefers humus-rich, well-drained soils, but it is also tolerant of poor soils and drought conditions. It can even tolerate salt and alkaline soils better than most other plants.

About light

Not too different with other green plants, the euonymus japonicus white spire needs sunlight to grow. Place this plant in an area of your garden that gets at least four hours of direct sunlight every day. If you live in a climate with long, hot summers, provide some afternoon shade for your white spire to prevent leaf scorch.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for euonymus japonicus white spire is when the temperature is cool. Around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. When the temperatures get too hot, the leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and drop off. If the temperatures get too cold, the plant will go into dormancy.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity falls below 30%, the leaves may start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity rises above 50%, the leaves may start to turn yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this kind of plant does best with a light application of a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. It should be applied in early spring before new growth begins. Root development is important for the overall health of the plant so make sure not to damage the roots when transplanting or when working in the area around the plant.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your euonymus japonicus white spire plant healthy and looking its best. Pruning this plant helps to encourage new growth, keep it from getting too leggy, and can help to control its size. You can prune your euonymus japonicus white spire plant in the spring or fall, and it is best to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of euonymus japonicus white spire is done through rooting stem cuttings. The best time to take the cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is about 6-8 inches long. Cut just below a node, or leaf joint, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant in a pot filled with lightly moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist. Roots should form within 4-6 weeks. Once roots have formed, the plant can be transplanted into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate varies between 2 to 8 inches annually. However, some can grow up to 12 inches in a year. The younger the plant, the faster the growth rate. Most growth occurs in spring and early summer when the plant is actively growing. However, some growth may continue throughout the summer months if the plant is well-watered.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. These problems can be treated with fungicides, but it is best to prevent them in the first place by planting in well-drained soil and keeping the plant well watered. Powdery mildew can also be prevented by spraying the plant with a fungicide every few weeks.

Tips on Growing

  • Make sure to plant your euonymus japonicus white spire in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Choose a location for your plant that has well-drained soil.
  • Water your euonymus japonicus white spire regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Fertilize your plant once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your euonymus japonicus white spire regularly to encourage new growth and to maintain its shape.
  • Be on the lookout for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if found.
  • Propagate your euonymus japonicus white spire by taking cuttings from new growth in spring or summer.
  • Overwinter your plant indoors in a bright, cool location if you live in an area with cold winters.
  • If you live in an area with

Substitution

  • Euonymus fortunei
  • Euonymus hamiltonianus
  • Euonymus hamiltonii
  • Euonymus japonicus
  • Euonymus kiautschovicus
  • Euonymus latifolius
  • Euonymus microphyllus
  • Euonymus obovatus
  • Euonymus oxyphyllus
  • Euonymus yedoensis

Source:
Euonymus Scale - Penn State Extension
Euonymus Leaf Notcher | University of Maryland Extension
Euonymus Scale – Wisconsin Horticulture

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Creepers Category