Euonymus thunbergianus
Blume.
gbif· cc-by
Meise Botanic Garden
gbif· cc-by
Meise Botanic Garden
gbif· cc-by
Meise Botanic Garden
Description
Euonymus thunbergianus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Edible Uses
A tea is made from the flowers.
Known Hazards
Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, a number of plants in this genus are suspected of being poisonous and so some caution is advised.
Distribution
E. Asia - China, Japan.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Hebei Sheng, Heilongjiang Sheng, Jilin Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu), Korea, Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku)
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. It is possibly no more than a synonym of E. alatus. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Thriving in almost any soil, including chalk, it is particularly suited to dry shaded areas. Prefers a well-drained loamy soil.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months cold stratification, so should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame. The seed can take 18 months to germinate. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 7cm long taken at a node or with a heel, July/August in a frame. Very easy.
