Euonymus japonicus 'MICROPHYLLUS'

Japanese spindles are evergreen shrubs, or small trees with grafted crowns on short stems. They are very popular in southern countries and where winters are mild. The species has green leaves, but most attractive are varieties with varigated foliage.

Microphyllus is a small-leaved variety of Japanese spindle. Leaves are deep green, elliptic and small, only about 3 cm long. The shrub grows slowly and very dense, it is supposed to be a dwarf plant in your climate (zone 6). It needs no pruning but can take it: in spring for re-juvenating, in July for shaping.

Japanese spindles are quite soil tolerant. They will do well in almost any well-drained soil, preferably moist, but not wet. Grow them on any location from full sun to deep shade but beware that plants with variegated foliage may suffer from winter and early spring morning sun. If you can find them a spot with winter shade and basically any portion of summer sunlight you may get in your garden. The species with green leaves does not mind winter sun so much. Even if leaves are sunburnt in winter don't worry, the plant will make a lot of new ones in spring. Protect them from extreme winds. If grown in containers overwinter them in a frost-free location with enough light. Hardy to -24°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 19-01-2009