Flat-stalked Spindle Tree Euonymus planipes 'Sancho'
ABOUT
Euonymus planipes 'Sancho' is commonly known as the Spindle Tree. It is a striking plant that boasts a multitude of features throughout the seasons. Initially, the foliage emerges in the spring; the leaves showcase a bright green color, which creates a vibrant backdrop for other plants in a garden. As the seasons change, these leaves undergo a dramatic transformation, turning into a vivid array of reds and purples that are particularly noticeable in the fall. The Spindle Tree is also adorned with small and inconspicuous flowers. These blooms may not be the main attraction but they add to the plant's overall charm and are often appreciated up close. After the flowering period, the Spindle Tree produces a very distinctive fruit. The fruits are pink capsules that split open to reveal bright orange seeds, providing a striking contrast that is quite eye-catching and often considered one of the plant's most attractive features. These colorful fruits can add visual interest to the landscape even as the weather turns cooler. The branches of the Spindle Tree spread outwards, creating an attractive silhouette, especially during the winter months when the leaves have fallen. Without the foliage, the plant's interesting branching structure and the remaining fruits provide a visual appeal that extends the interest in the plant throughout the year. The overall appearance of Euonymus planipes 'Sancho' is one that can both complement a garden setting with its lively spring and summer colors and provide a standout presence during the fall and winter seasons with its colorful fruits and notable branch structure.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Celastraceae
Synonyms
Flat-Stalked Spindle Tree, Sachalin Spindle Tree
Common names
Euonymus sachalinensis (F.Schmidt) Koidz.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters)
Spread
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to the garden with its vibrant red fruits and striking autumn foliage.
- Landscape Diversity: Introduces variety in plantings due to its unique form and texture.
- Wildlife Attraction: Provides food for birds and other wildlife through its berries.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with foliage change in fall, persistent fruits in winter, and flowering in spring.
- Low Maintenance: Generally requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of drought, reducing the need for irrigation.
- Cold Resistance: Hardy in many climates, making it suitable for a range of geographical locations.
- Versatility: Can be used in various landscape designs, from hedges to specimen plantings.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and beneficial insects during its flowering season.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife habitat: Euonymus planipes 'Sancho', also known as Flat-stalked Spindle Tree, provides shelter and nesting sites for small birds and other wildlife within its dense foliage.
- Winter Interest: The vibrant pink fruits and bright red seeds of the Flat-stalked Spindle Tree can add color to a winter garden landscape when most plants are dormant.
- Dye production: The bark and fruits can be used to create natural dyes for textiles in shades of brown and pink.
- Craft Material: The strong, straight twigs can be used in basketry or as natural stakes for supporting other plants.
- Educational uses: The plant can be grown in school gardens as a tool for teaching students about plant life cycles and seed dispersal.
- Bonsai Specimen: The Flat-stalked Spindle Tree's attractive foliage and interesting fruit capsules make it a unique choice for bonsai enthusiasts.
- Photography: The striking fruits and seeds can serve as a compelling subject for nature photography, especially during the fall.
- Barriers: The dense growth habit of the Flat-stalked Spindle Tree can be used to create informal hedges or living fences in garden design.
- Privacy screening: Taller varieties can be planted in rows to provide privacy screening for yards and outdoor spaces.
- Artistic inspiration: The unique appearance of the fruits and seeds can inspire designs in jewelry, textiles, or other artistic creations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Spindle Tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Spindle Tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Durability: Euonymus planipes 'Sancho', commonly known as Spindle Tree, has hard wood traditionally used to make spindles, symbolizing strength and resilience.
- Protection: The spindle tree was often planted near homes in folklore, believed to offer protection against harm and negative energies.
- Adaptation: It adapts well to different environments, representing the ability to thrive in various conditions and changes in life.
WaterThe Spindle Tree should be watered regularly, aiming for moist but not soggy soil. Initially, after planting, water the Spindle Tree every few days to help establish roots, providing about 1-2 gallons per watering depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. Once established, reduce watering to once a week, adjusting for rainfall and temperature, and provide 1-2 gallons to ensure the root zone is thoroughly moistened. During hot, dry spells, increase the frequency of watering but always let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In winter, watering can be reduced further as the plant's growth slows down.
LightThe Spindle Tree thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, during the hottest part of the day, some shelter from intense, direct sunlight can help prevent leaf scorch, especially in southern climates.
TemperatureThe Spindle Tree is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, typically surviving winter lows down to -30°F and summer highs well above 100°F. The ideal temperature range for the Spindle Tree is between 60°F and 85°F for optimal growth. Protection from extreme cold should be provided in northern zones by applying mulch or other protective measures in the winter.
PruningPrune the Spindle Tree during the dormant season, in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning helps to maintain shape, remove any dead or diseased wood, and encourage healthy growth. Pruning can be done annually, focusing on thinning out crowded areas to improve air circulation, which helps prevent disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpindle tree requires well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loamy soil, peat, and sharp sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingSpindle trees do not need to be repotted often; every 2 to 3 years is sufficient unless the plant has outgrown its current pot.
Humidity & MistingSpindle trees are adaptable but prefer moderate humidity levels; aim for around 40-60% relative humidity for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Spindle in a bright spot, avoid direct sun.
Outdoor
Ensure partial shade and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Spindle Tree 'Sancho' passes through several distinct stages, starting from seed germination, where the seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. After sprouting, the seedling grows, developing a robust root system and foliage in its juvenile phase. As it matures, it enters the vegetative stage, increasing in size and branching out to form a structured shrub. Upon reaching maturity, usually after a few years, it begins the reproductive stage, producing small, inconspicuous flowers followed by distinctive, colorful fruits that attract birds, aiding in seed dispersal. Throughout its life, the plant undergoes seasonal cycles of growth and dormancy, with leaves changing colors and falling during autumn before entering winter dormancy. With proper care, the Spindle Tree 'Sancho' can live for many years, completing its life cycle when it eventually succumbs to age, disease, or environmental stressors.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Euonymus planipes 'Sancho', commonly known as the Spindle Tree, is commonly propagated through seed sowing. The best time for seed propagation is in the autumn immediately after the seeds have ripened, as this aligns with the species' natural cycle and seed dormancy can be broken more easily. The seeds need to be extracted from the fleshy fruit and cleaned of any pulp to prevent fungus growth. After cleaning, they are sown at a depth of around 1 inch (2.54 cm) in a well-draining soil mix and placed in a cold frame or a sheltered outdoor area during the winter months. Stratification, a process of treating seeds in a moist substrate and exposing them to a period of cold temperature, may improve germination rates. Come spring, with warmer temperatures, the seeds will germinate and can be grown on in their pots for a year or two before being planted out in their permanent positions.
