Winged Spindle Mount Fuji

A rare and unusual cultivar of the Large-winged Spindle, Mount Fuji is a botanical beauty prized for its structural sophistication and incredible autumn display. Originating from the cool montane forests of East Asia, 'Mt. Fuji'/'Mount Fuji' forms a highly elegant, broadly spreading large shrub or small multi-stemmed tree that brings direct architectural beauty to the winter and autumn garden. The plant's display is subtle in Spring, producing clusters of small, delicate, greenish-yellow flowers nestled among finely-toothed, fresh green leaves. By late Summer, the magic begins as highly unusual, deeply-ribbed seed capsules develop, swelling into dramatic, four-pointed pinkish-red "winged" lanterns that dangle elegantly from slender branches. As Autumn arrives, these heavy capsules split wide open to reveal a dazzling contrast of glossy, bright orange-red seeds. Simultaneously, the entire canopy of hand-shaped, oval leaves transforms, shifting from deep green to rich golden-yellow and warm plum-purple. Once the autumn leaves fall, the plant continues to command attention throughout the Winter, displaying a beautiful structural skeleton of fine branches decorated with the papery, empty husks of its distinctive winged seed pods. It is a slow-growing, choice pick for plant collectors, looking particularly sensational when placed in a position where the low autumn sun can shine through its translucent, hanging fruits.

Site: Shelter is best to protect the seed pods from tearing and to ensure the most vibrant autumn leaf display
Soil: Highly adaptable to most soil, as long as it is well drained and not waterlogged. Prefers deep fertile soil
Position: Full sun is best for leaf and seed-pod display but tolerates partial shade
Season of Interest: Year-round, particularly late summer to spring
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 8-11ft (2.5-3.5m) Spread: 8-11ft (2.5m-3.5)  - At maturity

Image by Philippe de Spoelberch – CC-BY-SA