Evergreen spindle Care (Euonymus japonicus)

Euonymus japonicus grows best in bright light, but is also shade-tolerant.

• For rich foliage color, provide about 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Variegated forms fade to a solid green if they receive less than 4 hours of light per day.
• In extreme southern heat, place the plant in a shaded spot in the afternoon to prevent foliage scorch.

Once established, this shrub does not require much water and thrives even in drought conditions.

• In summer, water the root zone once a week, but allow the top 2 inches (5 cm) to dry first.
• Newly planted Euonymus japonicus requires watering twice a week for the first month while the roots establish.
• In cool weather, reduce watering to once every 10-14 days to avoid overwatering the roots.

This is a cold-tough plant that feels good in regions with a temperate climate.

• Mature Euonymus japonicus plants tolerate temperatures from USDA zones 7 to 9.
• Best growth occurs at temperatures between 60 and 75°F (15-24°C).
• Short-term cold snaps down to -15°C (5°F) do not harm the plant, but wind chill is a major threat.

For the plant that grows outdoors, humidity is not a problem. Indoors, it needs a little help — to prevent leaf tips from drying out, maintain a relative humidity of 40–50%. Keep the pot with Euonymus japonicus at least 3 feet (1 m) away from radiators and heating vents. Dry air quickly draws moisture from the leaves.  A shallow tray of pebbles under the pot increases local humidity without overwatering the roots.

You won't find Euonymus japonicus picky about soil — the key is a well-drained mix.

• Plant it in loamy soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
• If water pools after heavy watering, add coarse gravel or perlite.
• Spread a 2-inch (5 cm) layer of mulch to keep the roots cool and even.

This houseplant grows well in a pot. Choose a container with a diameter of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) and drainage holes. Glazed or plastic pots retain water longer than terracotta ones, which means less watering for you in the height of summer.

A light annual feeding maintains a lush appearance of the plant, plus it prevents weak and wilted shoots.

• Apply a slow-release fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, in early spring.
• Water well to make sure nutrients reach the root zone.
• Skip feeding after midsummer to allow young shoots to establish before frost.
• Potted Euonymus japonicus can receive a second half-strength feeding in June.

You can prune this plant heavily, as it tolerates this procedure well.

• Prune hedges in late spring and again in midsummer to create crisp lines.
• For variegated plants, remove all green shoots to maintain the pattern. 
• Trim leggy stems by a third to encourage fuller growth.

This shrub tolerates repotting well, both to a different pot indoors and within the garden.

• Repot plants in one-size-larger pots every 2-3 years in early spring.
• The best time for repotting is in the fall, while the soil is still warm.
• Water the plant thoroughly the day before repotting to avoid root shock.
• Plant Euonymus japonicus at the same depth as before, never deeper.

Most people simply take cuttings — they root without much trouble.

• Take semi-hardwood cuttings about 4 inches (10 cm) long in late summer.
• Remove the lower leaves of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone.
• Put each cutting into a loose potting mix. Keep the soil slightly moist.
• Fresh cuttings usually root within 6-8 weeks.

When planted outdoors in USDA zones 7-9, the plant requires virtually no winter care.

• Mulch the soil around the base to protect the roots from the harshest frosts.
• Overwinter the potted Euonymus japonicus on an unheated porch at 35-45°F (2-7°C). 
• Water dormant plants only once every 3-4 weeks.