Japanese Spindle ( Euonymus japonicus )
Euonymus is a variegated evergreen shrub growing in southern climates. It can reach 15′ in height and 6′ in spread. The leave are thick and glossy.
It does well in heavy shade, dappled shade or at the edge of woodland areas, it will also grow in full sun. It will grow in dry or moist areas but prefers dry areas.
It will tolerate any soil from clay to sand to rocks.
Flowers are tiny and not especially noticeable.
Scale and caterpillars will attack this plant, watch for both.
The roots are grown in Russia and Spain for the latex rubber found in the roots.
This plant has been slow to grow in the dry, shady area it is in, but has required absolutely no care for the last three years.
Watch for powdery mildew, scale, and caterpillars.
Japanese spindle may get leaf scotch in dry windy seasons, water more frequently to prevent and shelter from wind if possible.
Also susceptible to crown gall ( large balls appear on stems near ground ) there is no treatment, just remove them and enjoy the plant while you can.
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Euonymus Japonicus
I’m looking at this plant now and don’t see a single variegated leaf, they are all solid in color? The sub freezing temperatures haven’t bothered it. It does grow much slower in the winter.
This is in a dry, dappled sun, mostly shaded area. It is slow growing, perhaps because it is in a dry shaded area.
Right now it is about 3′ tall and growing upright rather than out.
It’s a nice shrub for a tight area or dry, shaded area.