Species
suitable for bonsai include;
Euonymous
alatus/ Winged Spindle
This is a dense bushy shrub with ovate, toothed dark-green leaves
to 7cm long that turn a brilliant dark-red in Autumn rivalling
the Autumnal displays of Japanese Maples. Small orange fruits
are carried on the undersides of the branches and the ridged,
bark has strange cork 'wings'. (The purpose or reason for these
cork wings has still never been discovered).
Originating from woodland and thickets in China and Japan, the
winged spindle can reach heights of 2metres with a 3metre spread.
Euonymous europaeus/ European spindle tree
Very similar to E.alatus, E.europaeus is a broadly conical deciduous
shrub or small tree with spreading, slightly pendant shoots. It
bears oval, scalloped dark-green leaves to 7cm long that again
have a beautiful red Autumnal colour. E.europaeus bears red seed
capsules and can reach heights of 3metres in its native Europe.
Euonymous sieboldianus/ Japanese spindle
(This should now be correctly referred to as Euonymous hamiltoniaus
subsp. sieboldianus)
Tree-like, deciduous shrub bearing ovate, scalloped, mid-green
leaves up to 12cm long, sometimes with sharp points. The leaves
turn yellow, pink or red in Autumn and displays pink-white fruit.
The Japanese spindle is more vigorous than E.alatus and E.europaeus
reaching heights of up to 6metres in its native Korea and Japan.
BONSAI
CULTIVATION NOTES
Position Good light area without too much direct sunlight
in the summer. Euonymous are reliably hardy but require some frost
protection when temperatures drop below -5°C.
Feeding Every two weeks from spring to late summer, for even
better autumn colour withdraw nitrogen from mid-summer onwards.
Repotting Annually in Spring as new buds extend, after ten
years repot as required. Use basic soil mix.
Pruning Trim new growth back to 2 or 3 leaves in Spring and
continue to trim through the growing season. For very tight foliage
and short internodes, pinch out top of buds as they extend.
Propagation Sow seed outside as soon as they are ripe in Autumn.
Root greenwood cuttings in summer.
Pests and diseases Caterpillars, mildew and leafspot.
Styling Suitable for all forms in all sizes except Broom.
