The European Spindle (also known as *Euonymus europaeus*) is a gorgeous, low-maintenance shrub that looks fantastic in any landscape, whether you’re planting it as a standout specimen or a dense, colorful hedge. It’s a real showstopper in the fall, which is why so many gardeners want to know how to grow more of them!
Propagating European Spindle
If you want to expand your collection, there are a few different ways to propagate this large shrub:
- From seeds
- From cuttings
- From suckers (root offsets)
Growing from Seeds
After its subtle spring blooms fade, the plant spends the year developing those iconic four-lobed, purplish-pink seed capsules. Once they’re ripe, they pop open, and the seeds hang down on delicate threads. Birds love the sweet coating on the seeds, and they actually help spread the plant naturally after eating them.
If you want to try your hand at growing them from seed, gather the capsules just before they burst and let them dry out in a well-ventilated spot. Once they pop, remove the fleshy orange coating and sow the seeds directly outdoors.
Planning to wait until spring to plant? No problem. Just pop the seeds into a freezer bag filled with damp sand and keep them in the fridge. This keeps them viable until you’re ready to sow. Just a heads-up: these seeds are slow starters and can take several months to germinate.
Propagation via Cuttings
If you’re looking for faster results than seeds, cuttings are the way to go. In the spring, snip off some shoots about 4 to 6 inches long. Make sure to remove any flowers or developing fruit. A pro tip: cut the remaining leaves in half to reduce moisture loss through evaporation. You can root these in a glass of water or stick them directly into some potting soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, and in about three months, you should see new growth. While they’re ready for the garden once they have roots, they’ll need some extra winter protection. If you have the space, it’s best to keep these young plants in a cold but frost-free spot for their first winter.
Using Suckers (Root Offsets)
The European Spindle is pretty independent and likes to spread itself via root suckers. Throughout the year, you’ll notice new shoots popping up around the base of the shrub. You can take the strongest ones and turn them into new plants! Just dig them up and use a sharp spade or a clean knife to detach them from the main root system. Once you’ve got your “new” plant, move it to its permanent home. Just make sure to keep these youngsters well-watered until they’ve fully established their own root systems.
