Euonymus Europaeus Red Cascade

Euonymus Europaeus red cascade

A variety of the spindle tree native to the UK, euonymus europaeus red cascade will add a welcome splash of autumn colour to your landscape. It has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit because of its value to UK gardeners.

A cultivar of the spindle which used to thrive in hedgerows across the UK, the red cascade spindle tree has become a popular choice for its fabulous autumn colour. The small, yellow-green flowers that appear in the spring, and the dark green oval leaves of spring and summer, are not the main attractions of the red cascade bush. The leaves turn to a brilliant red in the autumn, and the mature fruits are 2 cm across and bright pink, revealing their orange seeds when they open, and remain on the shrub after the leaves have fallen, adding winter interest to your landscape. The fruits and seeds are toxic to humans, so are for decorative purposes only. However, they will attract birds to your garden throughout the winter.

Winter-hardy in most parts of the UK, Euonymus Europaeus Red Cascade will grow to an eventual height of 2.5-4 metres and spread of 1.5-2 metres over a period of 10 to 20 years. It will require little or no pruning to maintain its shape. Red cascade spindle tree will set more of its very colourful fruit when you have more than one tree to cross-pollinate. Plant 2.4 metres apart. 

Euonymus Europaeus Red Cascade is a tough plant. It will grow in a sheltered or exposed position, facing north, south, east or west, and will grow happily in any soil and ph type, as long as the soil is well-drained. It may be susceptible to caterpillars, scale insects or powdery mildew. 

As noted, red cascade spindle tree is a cultivar of the wild spindle tree that used to feature prominently in the hedgerows of the UK. This makes it a natural choice for use in hedging, or in wildlife gardens or similar low-maintenance settings. It is best suited to informal or cottage gardens, where it can slowly spread through shoots without interfering with formal plantings. 

Its blazing autumn leaves and winter fruits would also look lovely showcased against a stone wall. It also makes an excellent foreground planting in front of evergreens, where the autumn and winter contrast between the dark conifers and the brilliant foliage and fruits of euonymus europaeus red cascade would make for a striking picture. 

The red cascade spindle tree has come out of the hedgerows to bring its vibrant autumn and winter colour to your landscape. Bring this native plant home to thrive in your garden.