Fusain deurope
Euonymus europaeus · Celastraceae
📷 AnRo0002 · CC0
⚠️ Chiens et chats : fruits et écorce toxiques par ingestion, causent troubles digestifs et cardiaux. Humains : contact avec sève irritant, ingestion dangereuse.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around fusain deurope and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Euonymus europaeus
- Family
- Celastraceae
- Form
- Deciduous shrub
- Foliage
- Deciduous, green in summer, red-purple in autumn
- Flowering
- May-June, discrete greenish-white flowers
- Mature height
- Up to 4 m
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (zone 4 to 8)
- Origin
- Europe, western Asia
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
European spindle-tree thrives in well-draining soil and isn't afraid of pruning. Unfussy and adaptable to varied conditions; the key is avoiding waterlogging in winter, especially in heavy soil.
The common mistake
Overwatering in fall-winter promotes root rot, particularly in heavy soil.
The pro's trick
Plant it on a slope or naturally elevated area if your ground retains water; the slope alone can save a spindle-tree in tricky terrain.
Care
Watering
European spindle tree appreciates regularly moist soil but not waterlogged. Water moderately at planting and during dry periods. Once established, the shrub tolerates relative dryness well and only needs occasional watering outside exceptional summers.
Sunlight
This shrub adapts to partial shade as well as full sun. It prefers a sunny exposure which promotes intense autumn coloring and more generous fruiting. Partial shade works well in hot climates.
Soil and planting
European spindle tree thrives in well-draining, fertile to moderately rich, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Avoid overly compact and poorly drained soils. Adding compost at planting facilitates the establishment of the shrub.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly after flowering or in late winter to maintain a nice shape. The shrub branches naturally; regular pruning encourages a dense silhouette. Remove dead and poorly oriented wood in spring.
Fertilizing
An annual application of well-decomposed compost in early spring is sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which would favor leaf growth at the expense of fruiting and autumn colors.
Diseases and pests
European spindle tree is generally robust. Watch for powdery mildew in case of excessive humidity. Aphids may occasionally affect it. Good air circulation and regular maintenance prevent most problems.
Did you know?
European spindle tree owes its common name to its wood which was once used to make charcoal sticks, those black charcoal pencils so prized by artists. Its spectacular pink-red capsular fruits split in autumn to reveal bright orange seeds, dispersed by birds: a real festival of colors in autumn hedgerows.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Winged euonymusEuonymus alatus
- Fortune's euonymusEuonymus fortunei
- Japanese spindletreeEuonymus japonicus
- Euonymus americanusEuonymus americanus
- Stackhousia monogynaStackhousia monogyna
- Euonymus latifoliusEuonymus latifolius
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.