winged spindle tree

Winged Spindle Tree should be watered deeply and regularly on a monthly basis during the growing season. Water thoroughly twice a month in the summer to ensure the roots are completely saturated, and then allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering to once a month in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Provide enough water each time to saturate the soil to a depth of about 2 feet, and then wait to water again until the top 2-3″ of soil has dried out. Avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot or fungal diseases.

Winged spindle tree, also known as Euonymus alatus, is a deciduous shrub native to east Asia. For this plant species to thrive, it does best with full to partial sunlight. This means that it needs at least 5 hours of direct sunlight per day, with more being preferable. In areas where sunlight is inconsistent, the tree will still survive but will not flower or produce the best-quality fruits. For optimal growth and fruiting, the spindle tree requires direct sunlight in the morning hours as well as the afternoon hours. This species does not do well when exposed to direct sunlight all day long, so it is important to provide some shade during the middle of the day. It is also important to keep in mind that even with ample sunlight, if the tree is planted in dry soil, it may not be able to retain enough moisture and nutrients to support healthy growth.

Winged spindle tree is best pruned in late winter or early spring when it is actively growing. Prune out dead, crossing, or broken branches, and reduce tall or leggy growth. Pruning should focus on controlling the size and shape of the tree, encouraging lateral branching, and reducing suckers coming up from the rootstock. Remove 1/3 of the oldest, thickest branches, cutting just above a branch junction or bud. To maintain a dense canopy, thin out interior branches, allowing light and air to reach the center of the tree. Remove unneeded branches carefully, making sure the cut is clean and at the same location where 2 branches join.