Our range of Spindle bare root plants (Euonymus europeaus)

The 1U1, 2 year old specification plants are seedlings which were planted from seed in the spring and instead of being sold in the following November to April period they are kept in situ in our fields and grown on for a further year or longer which makes a strong bushy plant.

We also have Spindle as a transplant (1+1 2 year old plants) which are seedlings, lifted in the winter when we manually trim their roots and then we replant them in spring in a different area of our farm with wider spacing to give each plant access to more space, moisture and nutrients and this makes for a bushy, strong plant.  If you are claiming a grant under the Countryside Stewardship scheme, you need to order 1+1 plants.

We often have several batches of seed provenance for this species including UK provenance and sometimes some of the highest quality imported seed, so if the seed provenance is important to you, please give us a call.

All of the above plants are grown by us in Herefordshire.

Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) Summary

Spindle is a great addition to any hedgerow or woodland with stunning autumn colour, thanks to the abundant eye popping pink capsules and orange coated seeds which persist long after the leaves drop, and a great deal of wildlife value.  Its common name derives from the fact that its wood was made into spinning spindles.

It would be unusual to see a country hedge with a large proportion of Spindle in it, but a smattering here and there is good for wildlife and adds an attractive autumn colour via the red leaves and stunning berries.

Soil and situation

Less commonly found in Scotland, Spindle is found across all of England and Wales on chalkier soils although it will tolerate all other soil types.  It flowers and berries best in full sun or light partial shade.

Leaves, flowers and fruit

The leaves are oval with a pointed tip and very fine serrations on the edges and it has overall a slightly wavy appearance.  They turn a good dark red colour in autumn.

Flowers are small, greenish/yellow and are held in large clusters.

The berries are the most striking aspect of Spindle – shocking pink fruits enclose bright orange seeds – a clashing combination sure to catch the eye.  Please note that the fruits are toxic to humans and horses.

The stems are a distinctive feature with grey corky bark and ridges along the length.

Eventual height and growth rate

Spindle will grow up to about 7m in ideal conditions but more often matures at about 4m, with a quite slow growth rate.

Celastraceae family.