Euonymus planipes Sakhalin spindle tree

Sakhalin spindle tree is native to NE China, Korea, and Japan. It boasts of attractive autumn foliage and fruit. Deciduous leaves are ovate, 10-12 cm, emerge fresh green from deep burgundy red, pointed buds, and turn bronze and scarlet red in autumn.

In May open less conspicuous flowers which are followed by very attractive fruit in late summer. It is almost rounded, about 2 cm across, brilliant red to magenta purple, and reveal small, rich orange and glossy fruit after opening. This colourful display lasts for a long period in autumn, often until early winter when the leaves have fallen off. Seeds are poisonous.

Naturally it forms a spreading habit with slightly arching branches on older plants. It grows slowly and usually needs no pruning. Still, if you need to shape it or keep it smaller prune it in late winter.

Deciduous spindles are soil tolerant species. They will grow in almost any soil and can cope with compacted, clay ground. Trees with stems need support for a couple years after transplanting. Hardy to min. -30°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 02-03-2017