About
A deciduous, spreading shrub, to 2m tall and 3m wide, with narrow, lance-shaped, dark-green leaves. Small purplish-green flowers, borne in summer, are followed by pinkish-purple fruits characterised by five slender horn-like extensions with the appearance of a jester's cap. The fruit open to reveal bright orange seeds.
About the genus
Euonymus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, often with fine autumn colour, and small flowers followed by colourful fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Native toW China
ToxicityHumans/Pets: Harmful if eaten, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in most well-drained soils and is tolerant of drier conditions
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, horse chestnut scale, euonymus scale and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a leaf spot and sometimes honey fungus