Five-horned Spindle

A shrub with very unusual fruit, Euonymus cornutus var. quinquecornutus is a large, deciduous shrub with long, lance-shaped, deep green leaves. In summer, small, purplish-green flowers are borne, followed by pinkish-purple fruits surmounted by five green projections. Finally the fruits split open to reveal brilliant orange seeds. Good in a cottage or low maintenance garden. A healthy tree, disease-free, but watch out for caterpillars and scale insects. No pruning necessary. Tolerant of dry conditions. Five-horned spindle holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates some exposure
Soil: Any well-drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Autumn in particular
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height:  6’6” (2m) Spread: 10’ (3m) in 5-10 years