Euonymus japonicus 'KATHY' Japanese spindle

Kathy is one the modern Japanese spindles with variegated foliage and compact growth. Its evergreen leaves are ovate or almost rounded, finely serrated, deep green in the centre and creamy white at margins. Stems are very light green. Its attractive colour play will brighten up any dark corner of your garden and will be pretty in mixed borders next to other solid green plants.

Japanese spindle responds very well to pruning even on older wood – it always re-sprouts reliably, just fertilize it after cutting into older wood. Cut off long lead and side branches to a size that will help you form a desired shape in future. Then trim or shear it again at the end of July on all sides to achieve a rich and dense plant. The denser foliage, the more resistant it gets against extreme winters.

These plants 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 sun 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 they will be happy. 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. Experienced hardiness to -21°C (USDA zone 6b).

Last update 20-02-2010