It belongs to the Celastraceae - bittersweet family. It can grow 2-5 m high, producing 0,5-1 m of new growth a year. It has ovate or elliptic, 3-6 cm long, evergreen, leathery leaves and inconspicuous white-green flowers. The fruit is a white-green pouch, which splits open to reveal the fleshy coated orange seeds.
Only mature plants set fruit and many variegated varieties and cultivars don’t set fruit at all.
Requirements
It grows best in half-shade, but is also happy in full sun or deep shade. The leaf variegation is more pronounced in a well-lit position. It thrives in fertile, humus-rich soils, but tolerates also average or even poor soil (e.g. the 'Coloratus' variety). Fortune’s spindle tolerates well urban conditions and is fairly hardy.
Application
An excellent groundcover. The variety 'Coloratus' is ideal for covering large areas, reinforcing escarpments or covering fences – it is particularly recommended for use in public green spaces and in poor growing conditions. All varieties can climb trees, pylons, trellises, walls and rockeries. Variegated varieties are suitable for creating borders, spreading over empty space between coniferous and deciduous shrubs, or creating colourful compositions. They are also well suited for growing in large containers on balconies and patios, both on their own, or as a part of a larger composition.
- 'Coloratus' - the most vigorous of all Euonymus cultivars. Large (6 cm long) lustrous evergreen leaves turn dark purple in autumn to become green once again in spring. This change of colours provides year round interest and enlivens the garden. A perfect groundcover plant for a sunny, semi- shady or even shady spot, especially for large areas. When planted next to a fence it will grow even a few metres tall, creating an attractive hedge. Grown with the density of 5 plants per square meter, it will cover the area in 1-2 years. Pest and disease resistant, and relatively hardy.
- 'Emerald Gaiety' - small (3 cm long), dark green leaves with irregular white margins. Stems spread along the ground, creating an effect of a green-white wave. Plant between 7 and 10 plants per square meter. It can freeze during harsh winters.
- 'Emerald'n Gold' - small (3 cm long), green leaves with bright yellow margins. The variegation disappears when grown in deep shade. Erect to semi-erect stems will grow over 2 m high when planted near a support (a fence, a tree or a wall). If trimmed, they will spread forming a dense mat. It may be grown next to Clematisto protect the base of the plant from the sun. Plant between 7 and 10 plants per square meter. It can freeze during harsh winters.
- 'Interbolwi' (BLONDY) - small (3 cm long), deep green leaves with a bright yellow centre. The form is spreading in habit and doesn’t need pruning. Well suited for covering large areas, filling up space beneath taller shrubs, or edging. It grows well both in sun and light shade, forming an attractive green-yellow carpet. Plant between 5 to 8 plants per square meter. One of the frost hardiest forms of Euonymus.
- 'Silver Queen' - a charming plant with attractive foliage. Relatively large (5 cm long) leaves are creamy-yellow in spring. Over time turn green with a wide creamy-yellow margin, which turns white in summer. It’s well tolerant of pruning and quickly forms a dense tangled mat. If left untrimmed, it will climb, attaining in a few years 2-3 m in height, and will bear rather inconspicuous flowers followed by fruit. It can freeze in harsh winters. Suitable for growing in a public green space. An excellent groundcover, but it can also be used to fill space beneath taller shrubs or to created edgings. Plant between 5 and 8 plants per square meter.
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'Sunspot' - small (4 cm long), elliptic, boldly corrugated, deep green leaves with a bright yellow centre. They turn slightly red in winter. Young shoots are yellow and spread over the ground, forming an attractive yellow-green carpet. No pruning required. An excellent groundcover, suitable for covering large areas, both in sun and shade, filling space beneath taller shrubs or creating edgings. One of the frost-hardiest forms of Euonymus. Plant 5-8 plants per square meter.