Euonymus japonicus Silver King (Japanese Spindle)

Providing year-round interest, Euonymus japonicus ‘Silver King’ (Japanese Spindle) is an upright, bushy, evergreen shrub with glossy, oval-round, green leaves, 1-2 in. long (2-5 cm), adorned with silvery white edges. A few tiny, inconspicuous, yellow flowers are produced in late spring and early summer, which are rarely followed by fruits.

Providing year-round interest, Euonymus japonicus 'Silver King' (Japanese Spindle) is an upright, bushy, evergreen shrub with glossy, oval-round green leaves, 1-2 in. long (2-5 cm), adorned with silvery white edges. A few tiny, inconspicuous, yellow flowers are produced in late spring and early summer, which are rarely followed by fruits. Adding four season color in the landscape, this shrub is very versatile and may be used for massing or for a spot of color in the border. It is often planted to form a hedge, but it could be used in a topiary or espalier form as well.

  • Grows up to 5-6 ft. tall (150-180 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates poor soils and heat.
  • Watch for Euonymus scale, vine weevil, leaf spot and powder mildew.
  • Extremely versatile, Japanese may be used for beds and borders, massed on banks and slopes to control erosion or as a foundation plant. Ideal for coastal plantings or as a specimen or accent. Great for containers too!
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
  • All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested

Requirements

Hardiness 6
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, H1
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Euonymus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 5'
– 6'
(150cm
– 180cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 36″ (90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage