Euonymus fortunei Tustin - Spindle

The Euonymus fortunei Tustin is a variety of Fortune's spindle that is particularly low, very ground-covering, with densely branched vegetation, ideal for covering the ground in small spaces and particularly suitable for container gardening. Its evergreen foliage, with a beautiful green color and bluish reflections, takes on beautiful autumn and winter shades when exposed to cold temperatures. This small and well-maintained-looking bush is suitable for multiple uses: it can be placed under shrubs, on the edge of woodlands, along pathways, or even in planters on the terrace. It is very tolerant in terms of soil and exposure, preferring moist soils and avoiding arid conditions.

Native to Asia and northern China, the Euonymus fortunei is a slow-growing ground-covering bush from the Celastraceae family, perfectly hardy and tolerant of limestone in the soil. The Tustin variety is appreciated for its compact growth and very low habit, supported by branches that almost lie on the ground and naturally branch out. At maturity, this slow-growing cultivar will reach a height of about 15-20 cm (5.9-7.9 in) with a spread of 60 cm (23.6 in). The evergreen elliptical leaves, 3 cm (1.2 in) long and pointed at their tips, are a fairly dark and shiny green-blue color. Depending on the sunlight, they can take on beautiful red to purple shades on their upper surface only. In spring, on the current year's shoots, insignificant flowering occurs in the form of small clusters of white-greenish flowers. The flowers give way to decorative but non-edible red berries, appreciated by birds.

The Euonymus fortunei Tustin grows well in any soil that remains moist, preferably in sunny or semi-shaded areas. Pruning is unnecessary; it is better to pinch the young plants to encourage branching if necessary and only remove dead or diseased wood. It can be used in pots or planters on a terrace, in rockeries or as a border in flower beds, and even to highlight the curve of a pathway or the steps of a staircase, or to cover the slope of a retaining wall. It is useful in small gardens to cover the ground at the base of shrubs. Combine it with other sturdy ground-covering plants, such as Berberis thunbergii Atropurpurea Nana, Bergenia, creeping cotoneasters, variegated periwinkles, or other varieties of creeping spindles with variegated foliage.

Tips: Water during dry periods to maintain beautiful foliage.