Spindle Tree Euonymus hamiltonianus 'Indian Summer'

Water

Spindle tree 'Indian Summer' prefers consistent moisture, but it is important to avoid overwatering. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this will mean watering once every week during active growth in spring and summer, but frequency should be adjusted depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. During the winter dormant period, reduce watering frequency to every two to three weeks. Aim to provide about 1 gallon of water at each watering for a medium-sized shrub, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply to encourage strong root development.

Light

Spindle tree 'Indian Summer' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. This plant will perform well when it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. A spot that offers morning sunlight and some afternoon shade is ideal, especially in regions with extremely hot summers.

Temperature

Spindle tree 'Indian Summer' is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it performs best when conditions are not too extreme. The plant can survive winter temperatures down to around -20°F and can handle summer temperatures up to 95°F. However, the ideal growing temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F.

Pruning

Spindle tree 'Indian Summer' should be pruned to remove any dead or damaged branches, maintain its shape, and encourage healthy growth. The best time for pruning is in the late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Light pruning can also be done in summer if needed. Typically, pruning once a year is sufficient to keep the tree healthy and well-shaped.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Spindle tree thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand can create an ideal growing medium, ensuring good aeration and moisture retention. Adding organic matter like compost can further enrich the soil and provide nutrients for healthy growth.

Repotting

Repot the Spindle tree every 2 to 3 years to replenish its soil and encourage growth. Younger plants may require more frequent repotting, while mature specimens can be repotted less often, only when they become root-bound.

Humidity & Misting

Spindle tree is adaptable to a range of humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity. It can tolerate some dry air but maintaining a humidity level around 40-60% is ideal for this plant's health and vigor.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Bright, indirect light and room to grow.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade, shelter from winds.

• Hardiness zone

  4-7 USDA

Life cycle

Euonymus hamiltonianus 'Indian Summer', commonly known as Spindle tree, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in the spring, after a period of cold stratification that breaks the seed's dormancy. The seedlings grow into juvenile plants, developing a root system and foliage, and over the next few years, they mature into adult plants with a woody stem structure. As adult plants, they go through annual cycles of flowering and fruiting; the small, insignificant flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, followed by the development of pink to red fruits by fall, which open to reveal attractive orange seeds. These seeds are then dispersed by birds, wind, or gravity and mark the beginning of a new generation. During winter, the plant experiences dormancy, with leaf fall occurring in colder climates, but the tree's woody structure allows it to withstand the cold until growth resumes in spring. The Spindle tree can live for many years, continuously going through these growth stages during its lifetime, with environmental factors and pruning influencing its growth habits and longevity.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Summer

• Euonymus hamiltonianus 'Indian Summer', commonly known as the Indian Summer Spindle Tree, is typically propagated by seed or softwood cuttings. However, the most popular method for propagating this plant is through the use of softwood cuttings, which are taken in late spring or early summer. To propagate by cuttings, you should select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut sections of about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm). These cuttings are then treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The pots with cuttings should be kept in a warm area with indirect sunlight and high humidity, often facilitated by covering the pots with a plastic bag or placing them in a greenhouse. After the cuttings have rooted, which usually takes a few weeks, they can be transferred to individual pots and grown on until they are ready to be planted out.