Euonymus japonicus Green Milennium - Japanese spindle

Euonymus japonicus 'Green Millenium' is a variety of Japanese spindle highly prized for its superb evergreen, glossy dark green foliage. This compact shrub rarely exceeds 1.50m in height, and as it is tolerant of pruning, it is well-suited to container growing as well as small gardens. Perfectly at home in a contemporary setting, its simplicity is also useful in a mixed border to highlight lighter foliage or flowers. It can also be incorporated into a varied low hedge, where it will play the same role. Thriving equally well in sun or partial shade, and tolerating coastal climates, it will grow in many soil types as long as they are moist and well-drained.

Spindle belongs to the Celastraceae family, which includes 850 species of trees, shrubs, and climbers, distributed from temperate to tropical climates. Despite this abundance, it is not well represented in our gardens, except Celastrus (staff vine) from which it takes its name. On the other hand, the Spindle (Euonymus) of which more than 170 species are known is widespread, both in deciduous forms (Euonymus alatus, with its blazing autumn colours, E. europaeus, which is part of the French flora...) and evergreens (E. fortunei and its many cultivars...). Euonymus japonicus, the Japanese spindle, is also native to China and Korea, where it often grows near the coast, in thickets and woods. In those regions, it forms a shrub or small tree that can reach 8 m in height. Imported into Europe as early as 1804, it was extensively planted there, notably because it tolerates the polluted atmosphere of cities.
'Green Millenium' is a cultivar dating from 2009 from the Minier nurseries, the largest in France. This small shrub develops a rounded to conical, even pyramidal shape, which can be accentuated by pruning, which it tolerates well. After 10 years of cultivation, it reaches approximately 1.50m in height and 1m in spread, forming a dense clump. The fine dark green twigs bear foliage of the same colour, with a glossy surface. Measuring 3 to 7cm in length, the lanceolate leaves, with a very finely serrated margin, are borne on short petioles. Opposed in pairs, they are more or less decussate, meaning each pair is rotated a quarter turn relative to the previous one. The evergreen foliage is ornamental in every season, creating tonal contrasts in borders. The late spring flowering is rather insignificant, the only interest being the production of small reddish-orange fruits that are relatively decorative but toxic.

Easy to grow in ordinary soil that is not too dry, tolerant of chalk, resistant to sea spray and with good hardiness, Spindle 'Minmil' GREEN MILENNIUM® grows in sun or partial shade, and only dislikes severe frost or drought. You can shape a low multi-coloured evergreen hedge by integrating it alongside Photinia serratifolia 'Pink Crispy', with variegated green and cream foliage and superb bright pink shoots in spring. Choisya ternata 'Goldfinger' will bring you a touch of brightness, ranging from chartreuse green to golden yellow, along with a pleasant, fragrant white flowering. In mild climates, such as by the seaside, Ceanothus 'Tuxedo' will add a bit of height, and astonishing dark purple foliage, highlighted by blue flowers in May. In the same conditions, you can also add a note of grey with the very pretty Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius 'Silver Jubilée', with its fine foliage reminiscent of rosemary and covered at the end of spring with clusters of small pink flowers.