Euonymus Planipes Spindle

Euonymus Planipes or the Flat-Stalked Spindle Tree is native to the island of Sakhalin off the northern coast of Japan. It was introduced to the UK in 1892, but it is still not commonly grown here. It is a handsome deciduous shrub or small tree not dissimilar to related Euonymus Europaeus and very colourful in autumn.

The arching branches of this deciduous shrub or small tree form a graceful vase shape. The large, ovate medium-green leaves emerge in spring along with masses of tiny, greenish, star-shaped flowers which are followed by a profusion of dangling large, lobed pink-red fruits in autumn which split open to reveal the equally brilliant orange seeds within. This colourful show is accompanied by the deep purple-red foliage, combining for a stunning autumn display! The dark brown, striated bare branches of the Flat-Stalked Spindle Tree add interest to the winter landscape. 

Height and Spread of Euonymus Planipes
Euonymus Planipes will grow slowly grow to a mature height of 2.5-3.5 metres and spread of 3 metres in 10 to 20 years. 

How Hardy Is Euonymus Planipes?
Euonymus Planipes is hardy in all of the UK and across northern Europe. 

How to Use Euonymus Planipes
Plant Euonymus Planipes wherever you want to see a bright autumn show of colour! It can be pruned and trained to create a striking screen on a rooftop terrace or balcony, or grown against a wall in a courtyard garden. Left to develop its natural graceful vase shape, the Flat-Stalked Spindle Tree makes an excellent backdrop to a mixed border, or can be incorporated into an informal mixed hedge in a country garden. In a wildlife or woodland garden, the brilliant colours of autumn will be a highlight, and the fruits, toxic to humans, will provide a winter source of food for birds.

How to Care for Euonymus Planipes
Plant Euonymus Planipes in full sun or partial shade in an exposed or sheltered position with a south, east, or west-facing aspect, in any moist but well-drained soil. Avoid boggy sites. Tolerant of aerosol salt, it can be used in coastal regions, and as it also tolerates pollution, it is a good choice for city gardens. Little or no pruning is required to maintain the natural graceful shape of the Flat-Stalked Spindle Tree, but it can be pruned and trained into an espalier shape. 

Euonymus Planipes will make a big splash in your autumn garden, with the combined effect of the red fruits, orange seeds and red leaves putting on a brilliant show to end the year!