Japanese spindle vs Red-tip photinia

Japanese spindle and Red-tip photinia are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.

Japanese spindle

Euonymus japonicus 2 m × 1.5 m after 10 years

An evergreen shrub with glossy, leathery leaves that takes clipping well, so it works as a low to medium hedge, a screen or a container plant, and…

Hedge

Full sun

Part shade

Shade

from about €4.90

Red-tip photinia

Photinia × fraseri 3 m × 2 m after 10 years

An evergreen shrub for hedges and specimens whose new shoots emerge bright red and mature to glossy dark green; trimming in spring and summer brings…

Hedge

Full sun

Part shade

from about €8.90

Key differences

Red-tip photinia grows faster than Japanese spindle.
Japanese spindle also grows in shade, Red-tip photinia does not.
Japanese spindle is cheaper: about €4.90 at the size usually planted, against about €8.90 for Red-tip photinia.

The data side by side

Feature	Japanese spindle	Red-tip photinia
Group	Hedge	Hedge
Size after 10 years	2 m × 1.5 m	3 m × 2 m
Ultimate size	2.5–4.5 m × 1.5–2.5 m	1–6 m × 1–4.5 m
Growth rate	Medium	Fast
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade	Full sun, Part shade
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Foliage	Evergreen	Evergreen
Flowering	May–July, green	April–May, white
Water need	Medium	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium	Medium
Maintenance	Medium	Medium
Planting distance	50 cm	80 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	approx. €4.90	approx. €8.90

Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026

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