Training a Euonymus (also known as Spindle Tree) into a standard—or “tree-form”—is a fantastic way to add some vertical interest and a touch of elegance to your garden. While you could drop a lot of cash on a pre-trained tree at a nursery, why not save that money and grow your own? It’s a rewarding DIY project, though I’ll be honest: you’re going to need a little bit of patience!
How do you train a Euonymus into a standard?
Growing a standard from a Spindle bush isn’t complicated, but it does take time. Before you grab your garden shears, here are a few things to consider:
- Picking the right location for your plant.
- Deciding how tall you want your “trunk” to be.
- Choosing the right variety (upright-growing cultivars work best for this).
Step-by-Step: Training Your Euonymus Tree
First things first, you’ll need a young plant. You can easily start one yourself by propagating a cutting or using layering. Whether you plant your baby shrub directly in its permanent garden spot or start it in a pot is totally up to you. Just remember to give it some extra winter protection while it’s young and vulnerable.
Here’s how to shape your tree:
- Find the strongest, straightest shoot growing from the center and tie it to a support stake.
- Prune away all the other side shoots at the base.
- Keep trimming off any new side growth as the main stem grows upward. This is where that patience comes in!
- Once the main stem reaches your desired height, snip off the very top (the “leader”).
Once you “top” the plant, it will stop growing taller and start putting its energy into branching out to form a lush, bushy crown. Keep in mind that once you cut that top tip, the trunk height is set for life—it will get thicker over the years, but it won’t get taller. Once the trunk is sturdy enough to stand on its own, you can ditch the support stake.
Caring for Your Euonymus Standard
The Spindle tree is famously low-maintenance, but to keep that “tree” look, you’ll need to stay on top of pruning. To get a nice, round lollipop shape, regularly trim the shoots in the crown back to about four leaves.
How long does it take to grow a Euonymus standard?
The timeline really depends on how tall you want your tree to be. Generally speaking, expect it to take several years of consistent pruning before your Euonymus reaches its full glory. Just keep snipping those side shoots, and before you know it, you’ll have a gorgeous garden centerpiece!
