Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) is a beautiful native deciduous shrub prized for its striking autumn colour, ornamental fruit, and outstanding wildlife value. Perfect for natural or mixed hedging, it provides year-round interest and seasonal drama while supporting pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.
In spring, Spindle produces small, nectar-rich flowers that attract pollinators. These are followed in autumn by vibrant pink seed pods that split open to reveal bright orange seeds — a spectacular display against the fiery red and crimson autumn foliage. Hardy, adaptable, and low-maintenance, Spindle thrives in most soils and is especially effective as part of a native wildlife hedge.
Supplied as bare root plants and available for delivery from November, Spindle is an excellent, cost-effective choice for hedging projects that combine beauty, biodiversity, and seasonal colour.
Key Features:
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Native deciduous shrub with vivid autumn colour and ornamental seed pods
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Spring flowers for pollinators and autumn berries for birds
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Excellent for wildlife and biodiversity
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Hardy, low-maintenance, and adaptable to most soils
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Supplied bare root for cost-effective planting in November
Planting & Care:
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Position: Full sun to partial shade
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Soil: Any well-drained soil; thrives even on chalky ground
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Watering: Water during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature
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Pruning: Trim lightly in winter or early spring to shape and encourage bushiness
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Spacing: Plant 3–5 per metre for a dense hedge
Design Ideas:
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Combine with hawthorn, field maple, and dogwood for a mixed native hedge
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Plant for seasonal colour and wildlife value in gardens or field boundaries
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Use in wildlife corridors or naturalistic planting schemes
Final Thought:
With its fiery autumn colour, unique seed pods, and rich wildlife value, Spindle is a stunning addition to native and mixed hedges. Delivered bare root from November, it’s an affordable way to add seasonal beauty and biodiversity to your landscape.
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Bare root plants are generally cheaper than potted plants.
- Variety: Greater selection of species available.
- Establishment: Often establish quickly in the garden.
Cons:
- Timing: Must be planted during the dormant season (late autumn to early spring).
- Initial Care: Require careful handling and timely planting.
Preparation for Planting:
- Soak Roots: Immerse the roots in water for a few hours before planting to rehydrate them.
- Inspect: Trim any damaged roots with clean, sharp scissors.
- Dig Hole: Ensure the hole is wide enough to spread roots out without bending them.
- Consider Cutting back: Cutting back by up to 1/3, especially on taller plants will reduce possible losses and improve plant establishment.
Planting Process:
- Plant Depth: Plant at the same depth they were grown in the nursery, indicated by the soil mark on the stem.
- Fill Hole: Backfill with soil, ensuring no air pockets around the roots.
- Water: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Possibility of Losses:
- Adjustment Period: Some plants may not survive the transition due to transplant shock or poor initial care.
- Mitigation: Proper planting techniques and aftercare, like regular watering and mulching, can reduce losses.
Aftercare Tips:
- Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the establishment period.
- Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Protection: Protect young plants from extreme weather and pests.
Bare root planting is a straightforward, economical way to enhance your garden, provided you follow these essential steps to ensure successful establishment.
Full Guide to planting bare root can be found here
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
