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Euonymus japonicus
Japanese Euonymus
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Overview
Euonymus japonicus is the Japanese euonymus (Japanese spindle), an evergreen shrub growing 72–120 inches (180–300 cm) tall and 48–72 inches (120–180 cm) wide. Dark green glossy thick leathery oval leaves 1–3 inches (2.5–7 cm) — thicker and larger than E. fortunei leaves. Variegated cultivars are the most commonly planted: 'Aureo-marginatus' (gold-edged leaves), 'Microphyllus' (dwarf form, small leaves, 12–36 inches / 30–90 cm), 'Silver King' (cream-white-edged). Inconspicuous greenish-white flowers in early summer. Pink-red seed capsules with orange arils in fall (sporadic). In the staff-tree family (Celastraceae). Distinguished from E. fortunei: E. japonicus is a freestanding upright shrub (does not climb); E. fortunei is a climbing vine/groundcover with thinner smaller leaves. Tolerates coastal salt spray, urban pollution, and repeated clipping — widely used as a formal hedge. Euonymus scale (Unaspis euonymi) and powdery mildew are persistent problems — scale causes yellow spotting and dieback; mildew covers leaves with white powder in humid conditions. All parts contain cardiac glycosides and alkaloids — toxic to humans and animals. Native to Japan, Korea, and China. Part sun to full sun. Drought-tolerant once established. Zones 6–9. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to Japan, Korea, and China, growing in coastal scrub and forest margins.Suggested Uses
Grown as formal hedging, screening, and foundation planting in zones 6–9. Tolerates salt spray and pollution. Variegated cultivars for foliage interest. Euonymus scale and powdery mildew management required. All parts toxic.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Early summer (June) — inconspicuous greenish-white flowers. Pink-red seed capsules with orange arils in fall (sporadic). The glossy evergreen foliage — not the flowers — is the year-round feature.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Greenish-white, tiny, inconspicuous, in axillary cymesFoliage Description
Dark green, glossy, thick, leathery, oval, 1-3 inches (2.5-7 cm); variegated cultivars with gold or cream centers or marginsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part sun to full sun. Tolerates salt spray, pollution, and clipping. Euonymus scale and powdery mildew are persistent problems. All parts toxic (cardiac glycosides). Drought-tolerant once established. Zones 6–9.Pruning
Tolerates repeated clipping for formal hedging. Prune for shape in spring or summer. Remove all-green reverted shoots on variegated cultivars promptly (they are more vigorous and will dominate).Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early springsummer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons