How to Grow Euonymus White Spire - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Euonymus white spire is a hardy plant that is commonly used as a hedging plant or for topiary. It has a dense growth habit and can reach heights of 6-8 feet. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the stems are a white/cream color. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, but the plant does produce berries that are attractive to birds.

How to Grow Euonymus White Spire - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Burning bush
  • Spindle tree
  • Wahoo
  • Striped euonymus
  • Wintercreeper

Basic info

  • Euonymus white spire is a member of the buckthorn family.
  • It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall.
  • It has oblong to elliptical shaped leaves that are dark green in color.
  • The shrub produces small, greenish-white flowers in the spring.
  • The flowers are followed by small, red fruits that ripen in the fall.
  • The fruits are poisonous to humans but are attractive to birds.
  • Euonymus white spire is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to North America.
  • It is commonly used as an ornamental plant in landscaping.
  • It is easy to grow and is tolerant of a wide range of soil and light conditions.
  • Euonymus white spire can become invasive if not kept in check.

Related plant:
Euonymus Japonicus Aureus

Growing Steps

  1. For euonymus white spire, first step is to find a young plant or seedling.
  2. Once you have found a plant, water it regularly and place it in an area with good drainage and full sun.
  3. After the plant has grown for a few months, you can begin to fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer.
  4. Once the plant is established, you can trim it back to encourage new growth.
  5. If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, you may need to water the plant more frequently.
  6. In the fall, you can divide the plant to create new plants.
  7. If the plant becomes too large, you can prune it back to keep it under control.
  8. In the winter, you will need to protect the plant from the cold weather.
  9. In the spring, you can start to fertilize the plant again.
  10. You can enjoy the beautiful flowers and foliage of the euonymus white spire for many years to come!

Related plant:
Euonymus Red Cascade

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the best kind of soil for euonymus white spire is soil that is well-draining. The plant does not like to sit in wet, mucky soil, so it is important to make sure that the area where you plant it has good drainage. You can improve drainage in your soil by adding organic matter, such as compost, to it. If you have heavy clay soil, you can also try planting euonymus white spire in a raised bed to improve drainage.

About light

Not too different with other members of the Euonymus family, the white spire euonymus requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. It is a slow grower, but once it reaches its desired height, it is a very low maintenance plant.

Good Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for euonymus white spire are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and it is important to make sure that the soil is moist but not soggy. If the soil is too dry, the leaves of the plant will begin to turn brown and drop off.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. They will do best if you live in an area with moderate humidity and can tolerate some degree of drought. If you live in a very humid environment, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the leaves from yellowing and dropping off.

The Fertilizer

The fertilizer, this type of plant food is high in phosphorus, low in nitrogen and potassium, so it's important not to overdo it. The root, on the other hand, is very important to the plant. The root system is what anchors the plant in the soil and absorbs water and nutrients.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your euonymus white spire healthy and looking its best. This tough and tolerant plant can handle being cut back quite severely, so don't be afraid to prune it back hard if necessary. This will help to keep it from getting too leggy and will encourage new growth. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done in spring by taking softwood cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from young, healthy growth and be around 4-6 inches in length. Use a sharp knife or shears to make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Place the cuttings in a pot or tray filled with moistened potting mix and keep them in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Rooting will usually occur within 4-6 weeks. Once the roots are well-established, pot the cuttings up into individual pots and keep them moist. When the weather warms in spring, harden the plants off by gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions before planting them in the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively fast, with some species growing more than 2 feet per year. However, the plant's rate can be greatly reduced if it is not watered regularly or is otherwise stressed. Additionally, the plant's growth may be stunted if it is not receiving enough nutrients. Overall, though, euonymus white spire is a hardy plant that will thrive in most conditions.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, powdery mildew, and root rot. Caterpillars are the most common problem and can be controlled with insecticides. Powdery mildew can be controlled with fungicides. Root rot can be controlled with fungicides or by planting the euonymus white spire in well-drained soil.

List to Know

  • Remember to water your euonymus white spire regularly, especially during the hotter months.
  • Place your plant in a spot where it will receive plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Once every few weeks, fertilize your euonymus white spire with a well-balanced plant food.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
  • Keep an eye out for pests, such as aphids and scale insects, which can infest euonymus plants.
  • If you notice any pests on your plant, treat it immediately with an appropriate insecticide.
  • Be sure to plant your euonymus white spire in well-drained soil.
  • In areas with cold winters, you may need to provide some protection for your plant, such as mulching.
  • You can propagate euonymus white sp

You May Like

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  • Euonymus glabra
  • Euonymus radicans
  • Euonymus obovata
  • Euonymus obovate
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  • Euonymus phellomanus

Source:
Euonymus Scale | University of Maryland Extension - UMD
Pests of Euonymus | NC State Extension Publications
Euonymus atropurpureus - North Carolina State University

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