How big does Japanese spindle grow?

About 2 m × 1.5 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 2.5–4.5 m × 1.5–2.5 m.

What soil does Japanese spindle grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Japanese spindle hardy?

Hardy down to -18 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Banská Bystrica Region, Prešov Region, Žilina Region) it may not survive winter without protection.

Is Japanese spindle toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should Japanese spindle be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Japanese spindle be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 50 cm between plants. For a hedge, allow 3 plants per metre.

How much water does Japanese spindle need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Japanese spindle cost?

It sells for roughly €4.90 to €100 in local shops, depending on size.

Japanese spindle

Euonymus japonicus

Japanese spindle (Euonymus japonicus) is a hedge plant that reaches 2 m × 1.5 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €4.90.

Illustration of Japanese spindle — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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 comes in many variegated forms besides plain green. It grows in sun or shade and puts up with salty air and city conditions. It does not like hard winters, though: give it a sheltered spot out of the wind, plant in spring if you can, and protect young plants.

Watch out for

Only moderately hardy in Central Europe: at roughly -15 to -20 °C, or in strong winter sun and wind, the leaves scorch, and in a hard winter shoots can die back, especially on young and variegated plants. It usually resprouts in spring, but it is a risky hedge for cold, exposed sites. Euonymus scale is a common pest, and powdery mildew attacks dense, poorly ventilated plantings.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 2 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -18 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, green

Group	Hedge
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	2 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	2.5–4.5 m × 1.5–2.5 m
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	May–July, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	50 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €4.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
15-20 cm	approx. €10
50-60 cm	approx. €80
80-100 cm	approx. €100
size not stated	approx. €4.90 – €63

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants for shade Hedge plants Evergreen hedge plants Plants for screening Evergreen plants Plants for containers Plants for a Mediterranean garden

Guide on the topic

Fast-growing hedges: how much each grows in a year The fastest hedge plant is the Leyland cypress, growing about 90 cm a year, followed by cherry laurel 'Novita', firethorn and western red cedar at about 50 cm a year, then privet at 40 cm. How long a 180 cm hedge takes to screen depends more on the size of plant you buy: several years from small plants, one or two summers from large ones, but at many times the price per metre. The tables use the current shop prices in your country.

Compare with similar plants

Japanese spindle vs Anglo-Japanese yew Japanese spindle vs Arborvitae Japanese spindle vs Box honeysuckle Japanese spindle vs Cherry laurel Japanese spindle vs Common yew Japanese spindle vs Ebbing's silverberry Japanese spindle vs Oval-leaved privet Japanese spindle vs Photinia 'Red Robin' Japanese spindle vs Red-tip photinia

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