Euonymus planipes (Spindle Tree)

Noted for its most dramatic foliage and very ornamental berries, Euonymus planipes (Spindle Tree) is a large, deciduous shrub invaluable in the fall and winter garden. Its foliage of huge, ovate, mid-green leaves turns to vibrant crimson-to-ruby red in early fall, making the whole plant glow with color. In late spring, a profusion of tiny, insignificant, star-shaped, greenish flowers appear before being replaced by masses of large, lobed, crimson-pink fruits that mature during the fall. Dangling below the red leaves, each fruit capsule splits open to reveal vivid-orange seeds which hang on far into winter. They are attractive to some birds who enjoy them during the winter months. As the giant leaves fall, the darkly striated branches shine in the winter before displaying pointed mahogany-brown buds in spring. Slow-growing at first, Euonymus planipes matures into an ornamental tree of vase-shaped habit rather than a shrub. A statuesque plant that adds a glorious splash of color to the garden when it is most needed.

• Grows up to 8-12 ft. tall (240-360 cm) and 10 ft. wide (300 cm). It can be pruned to be a small tree or large shrub.
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soils, excluding boggy and wet soils.
• Watch for caterpillars, scale insects, and powdery mildews.
• Attracts birds and wildlife
• Great as a specimen plant, in shrub borders in city gardens, and cottage gardens. This plant is particularly striking against a background of evergreens.
• Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
• Native to China, Japan, Korea, Sakhalin
• All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.