Euonymus japonicus Green Rocket - Japanese Spindle

Euonymus japonicus 'Green Rocket' is a variety of Japanese Spindle easily recognised by its architectural silhouette. This small bush naturally has an upright and narrow habit, which is particularly highlighted by its small, glossy dark green leaves. Perfect for creating low hedges resistant to Boxwood pests, it is also valuable in mixed borders alongside flowering plants. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, in ordinary soil and similarly in pots on a terrace.

The Spindle belongs to the Celastraceae family, which is rich in 850 varied species, including trees, bushes, and climbers, from temperate to tropical climates, but is rather underrepresented in our gardens, with the exception of Celastrus, from which it derives its name. The Spindle (Euonymus) is an important member of this family, with over 170 species identified. Euonymus japonicus is native not only to Japan but also to China and Korea, where it grows in thickets and woods, particularly near the sea. It forms a bush or small tree 5 to 8 m high, flowering in June-July and fruiting in December-January. Introduced from southern Japan to Europe in 1804, it has been extensively planted, especially in urban settings, as it tolerates polluted atmospheres well.
'Green Rocket' is one of the most easily recognisable cultivars, with its narrow and upright silhouette. Discovered in Japan in 1978 by three botanists, it was eventually introduced to the market much later, around the year 2000. Of moderate growth, this compact bush reaches a height of 1 m and a width of 50 cm, sometimes more over time. It forms branches that grow vertically, with a somewhat stiff visual appearance but soft to the touch when young. As they age, they eventually turn woody and become rigid, changing colour from green to brown. Its habit is very dense, making it suitable for creating low hedges that can replace Boxwoods. The miniature leaves are elliptical and measure approximately 3 cm long. The edge of the leaf is finely toothed and glossy dark green on the surface, which makes it decorative throughout the season. The internodes are short, resulting in lots of leaves. When they emerge, the young shoots are a lighter green, creating a brief two-tone effect, as they darken afterwards. They are evergreen but they may partially fall to the ground in cases of intense cold, particularly if the plant has been pruned too late in the season, thus weakening it. In May-June, or even July, the bush produces insignificant greenish flowers, which have no real ornamental interest. They may sometimes yield a few pink fruits with orange arils at the end of the season. The aril is a fleshy covering surrounding the seed, which is toxic if ingested, so caution is advised!

Easy to cultivate in ordinary soil that is not too dry, growing in full sun or partial shade, it dislikes only severe frost or drought, Spindle 'Green Rocket' will be appreciated in small gardens for forming a low hedge, or in larger spaces, within an English mixed border or in a varied bed. Its compact dimensions and good tolerance to pruning also allow it to be sustainably grown in pots on a terrace or balcony, sheltered from cold winter drafts. You can interest your friends by planting alongside it 'Hedera helix 'Erecta', a bushy Ivy that is quite similar in appearance and size to it, and which tolerates more shade. These dark, glossy-leaved plants are perfect for highlighting light foliage or flowers planted nearby. A clump of Hosta 'Color Festival' with large bi-coloured leaves predominantly white-yellow will create a magnificent contrast of colour and dimensions. In the background, a specimen of Philadelphus coronarius 'Aureus', Golden Mock Orange, will also create a stunning scene.