Euonymus europaeus - European Spindle

The Euonymus europaeus, more commonly known as the European Spindle, is a small highly decorative bush from the autumn onwards. Its green leaves react as soon as the first cold weather appears and the days get shorter. They then take on beautiful fiery colours: Red, Indian pink with shades of purple. The whole foliage seems to ignite. Once it falls, the fruits remain and provide a spectacle. Their pink capsules, almost fuchsia, reveal bright orange berries from the end of summer (all of which are toxic). Hardy and tolerant of pruning, it will adapt to many spaces.

The European Spindle is a bush with a bushy, slightly slender and spreading habit, mainly growing in forests and groves in Asia. It thrives in hedges, adding colour during autumn and early winter. Its size remains modest, on average 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches) high and 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) wide, and can be maintained through pruning. It is not invasive and therefore remains good company for its neighbours. You can even gently shape it to give it a more "orderly" form.

Its branches, with greyish and slightly fissured bark, bear small leaves measuring 5 to 7 cm (2 to 2.8 in) long. They are medium green, deciduous, lanceolate, with barely toothed edges. From April-May, flowers appear. Discreet, they do not exceed 1 cm (0.4 in) in diameter. White with yellow and green highlights, they consist of 4 tiny petals and a green centre. Grouped in cymes, they attract pollinators and gradually form quite unique and highly decorative fruits. The envelope, formed by 4 lobes of an increasingly intense pink, will slowly open to reveal hanging berries of a very pronounced orange. Do not be deceived by their beautiful appearance, as these flowers are toxic, as are other parts of the bush: leaves and bark. Inform children, who may be tempted by this attractive fruiting. Birds, on the other hand, will be content with the berries in winter.

The Euonymus europaeus appreciates sunny as well as semi-shaded exposures. It likes rich, well-drained, deep soils and tolerates slightly chalky terrain. Preferring moist substrates, it will struggle during periods of drought. Take care to water it if you have just planted it.

Its changing foliage and colourful fruiting make it a valuable ally for informal hedges, bringing cheerfulness. You can also plant the European Spindle in the center of a bed, as a standalone plant, it will tolerate the presence of perennials nearby. Surrounded by Asters and Sedums, it will create a delightful autumn ensemble.