Euonymus cornutus var. quinquecornutus
five-horned spindle
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
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Purple | Green | Orange Pink Purple | |
| Autumn | Green | Orange Pink Purple | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Celastraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/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
- Genus
Euonymus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, often with fine autumn colour, and small flowers followed by colourful fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in most well-drained soils and is tolerant of drier conditions
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil, horse chestnut scale, euonymus scale and caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a leaf spot and sometimes honey fungus
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