Euonymus japonicus White Spire - Japanese Spindle

The Euonymus japonicus 'White Spire' is a new variety of exceptionally bright Japanese Spindle that caused a sensation when it was presented at Plantarium in 2018. This variety of small development is distinguished by a particularly upright growing habit, undeniable elegance, and leaves strongly margined with white throughout the year, even in winter. Ideal for low hedges or large borders to replace boxwood, this bush is also a beautiful subject for the terrace or balcony, alone or in combination with other plants. It is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade, ordinary soil, even limestone, but remaining moist. 

The Japanese Spindle belongs to the family of Celastraceae, and as its name suggests, is native to Japan. But it is also found in China and Korea. In the wild, this large bush grows on slopes, in exposed areas at the edge of forests, or coastal areas where it can become a tree of 8 m (26 ft) in height. Its hardiness is around -12°C (10.4°F), and its growth is quite slow.

The cultivar 'White Spire', recently selected in the Netherlands, has a much more modest development, and foliage strongly variegated with white on a green-gray background. It withstands -15°C (5°F) for short periods. In our gardens, it can reach about 50 cm (19.7 in) in height and 30 m (98 ft 5 in) in spread within 5 years, its growth is slow. Its will eventually reach dimensions of about 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) in height and 75 cm (29.5 in) in spread. Its natural habit is upright growth, supported by vertical branches. Well-branched from the base, its branches bear dense foliage, composed of glossy, green-grey leaves with a wide white margin. They are oval-shaped, 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2 in) long, finely toothed on the edge. The discreet flowering takes place in May to June, at the end of the young shoots. Tiny white-greenish flowers with 4 petals are grouped in clusters. They are pollinated by insects and are followed by the formation of small green fruits that turn pink and orange in autumn, hanging under the branches. The evergreen foliage can be damaged by severe frosts.

The Euonymus japonicus 'White Spire', traditionally used to create low evergreen hedges, can also be used in shrub beds to create contrasts with purple barberries, Myrtus 'Tarentina', or even dwarf conifers with dark foliage (Chamaecyparis obtusa Nana, Pinus strobus Ontario...). Its variegated foliage enhances all flowerings and works wonders in partially shaded areas of the garden. Well suited to coastal areas and urban gardens, the Japanese Spindle is often used to create hedges along pathways or property boundaries to protect them from wind and prying eyes. It adapts well to container cultivation, which can be placed on the terrace or balcony, and is also suitable for pruning. Its height will be less significant in pots, as the plant can be shaped according to the gardener's whims, such as attempting topiary art.