Euonymus: varieties, care and propagation features

Spindle tree (Latin: Euonymus) is a shrub that comes in many varieties and is largely grown by gardeners for its foliage. It's an easy-to-care-for shrub that can add color and vibrancy, especially to a winter garden. There are compact, large, and creeping varieties. Let's look at the main ones with photos and descriptions.

Varieties of euonymus

Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald'n Gold' (Latin: Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald'n Gold') is a low-growing shrub with golden-green leaves. It is one of the most common varieties grown in English gardens. It is compact, reaching a height of 60-70 centimeters. In the cold season, the foliage takes on a pinkish tint. This shrub tolerates partial shade, making it a great addition to a shady corner of the garden.

Euonymus alatus (Latin: spindle tree) is a spectacular plant with stunning autumn color. In early autumn, the foliage begins to turn pink, then deepens to a vibrant crimson.

Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' (Latin: Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety') features variegated dark green leaves with white edges. This euonymus variety grows up to 25 cm tall and can spread up to 2.5 m. In the fall, it produces inconspicuous pale green flowers, sometimes followed by pale pink fruits. However, the main attraction of this variety is the color of its leaves.

Euonymus europaeus 'Red Cascade' is a cultivar often grown for its striking fall color. Its oval leaves turn bright red in autumn, and the pink berries open to reveal orange seeds.

Euonymus, regardless of variety, is very easy to care for.

Lighting requirements

Euonymus tolerates even very low light, but prefers to grow in full sun. Insufficient light can cause leaf discoloration.

Soil requirements

This shrub prefers well-drained soil. However, it can also grow in poor soil. Like most plants, it dislikes waterlogged soil, but can even tolerate alkaline soil.

Water requirements

Euonymus should be watered regularly, but not excessively. It can even tolerate temporary drought.

Fertilizer requirements

These shrubs respond very well to fertilizer. If the shrubs are planted in very poor soil or in a container, a granular fertilizer that dissolves slowly when watered can be used.

Pruning euonymus

All euonymus are relatively slow-growing plants that require very moderate pruning. To encourage a bushy crown, prune the shrub by a third in the spring before the leaves emerge.

Reproduction

The propagation method depends on the euonymus species. European euonymus and winged euonymus propagate well from green cuttings. To do this, cut a young green shoot and soak it in a root growth stimulant, such as Kornevin, for two hours. Then, plant it in a pot. After a month, with generous watering, the cutting will develop roots and can be transplanted into open ground.

To propagate Fortune's euonymus, pluck the leaves at one node, scrape off some of the bark, and cover the branch with soil. Increase watering and, after 3-4 weeks, cut the rooted branch from the mother plant with a sharp knife. The rooted shoot can then be replanted.

Diseases and pests of euonymus

With proper care, euonymus trees are resistant to diseases and pests.