Euonymus europaeus Common spindle tree, Skewerwood
Plant Needs.... Planting site Hardiness: Hardy in UK/Ireland/Scottish Highlands Zones 3 to 9 (-40C to -1C / -40F to 30F) Border/container: Borders Sun/shade: Likes sun; tolerates part shade, light shade Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal), Poor soil Soil pH: Acid (ericaceous), Alkaline, Neutral Moisture: Well drained soil, moisture retentive soil Hazardous: Yes, Potentially harmful Humans: Harmful if eaten
Plant care Care required: Normal maintenance
Euonymus europaeus Common spindle tree, Skewerwood
Plant Looks like... Overall effect Garden style:
Colours and scent Flowers: Fruit: Red Leaf: Green Stem: Variegated leaf: No Scent: No
Size and shape Height: 4.00m Height at 10yrs: 2.00m Spread: 4.00m Spread at 10yrs: 2.00m Shape: Bell
Evergreen, Seasons of interest... Blooms/foliage interest in: Autumn Evergreen: No, deciduous
Euonymus europaeus Common spindle tree, Skewerwood
Plant Names... Botanical name: Euonymus europaeus Common name: Common spindle tree, Skewerwood Also known as:
Plant Type... Plant botanical type: Shrub
Use For... Structural, Rabbit resistant, Bird attraction
Description... This attractive hedgerow shrub or small tree is unlikely to reach more than 3-4m (10-13ft) in height. It has green oval leaves with pointed tips. It produces wonderful autumn fruits and some pink or red autumn colour. The fruits are four lobed and crimson, opening to show orange seeds within. The hard wood has a close texture and in the past was used in the manufacture of spindles, hence its popular name. The berries are somewhat poisonous.
Typically available as
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Seeds
(GA0)
(GA3)
(GA6)
(GA9)
Bulbs
(GA1)
(GA4)
(GA7)
(GA10)
Plants
(GA2)
(GA5)
(GA8)
(GA11)
Euonymus europaeus
Planting your new plant
Water the plant thoroughly when you get it home, and plant out as soon as possible. Make the hole for the plant larger that the pot it is in and the same depth. When removing the plant from the pot, squeeze the sides of the pot to loosen it. Loosen the roots of the plant, put the plant in the hole spreading the roots to encourage them to grow outwards. Fill round the edges of the rootball with soil to the same level as the surrounding soil.
Care for your plant
Plants in containers need plant food to thrive when in growth. Seek advice from your retailer regarding best product(s). Follow the packet instructions when applying plant food. Remove fading flowers to encourage fresh ones.
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