Euonymus japonicus 'Happiness'

Euonymus japonicus 'Happiness' (Euonymus japonicus Happiness) – a cultivar of Japanese spindle from the genus (Euonymus) of the family Celastraceae (Celastraceae). In 2005 Dutch breeders Johan and Guus Nuis discovered natural mutations on shrubs of Euonymus japonicus «Microphyllus Aureovariegatus». In 201 in Portland (Oregon, USA) the cultivar was twice awarded the silver medal in the People's Choice Awards category, as well as in the «Judge's Choice Awards» nomination.

It is an evergreen shrub up to 60 cm in height and up to 30 cm in width. Shoots are light yellow-green, later becoming dark yellow.

Leaves leathery, dark green, 3-8 cm long, with finely toothed margins.

Flowers up to 1 cm in diameter, pale yellow, arranged in small forked-branched semi-umbels branched 3-5 times, numerous, 10-30 per thin common peduncles up to 5 cm long. Perianth actinomorphic. Number of petals 4. Flowers in June.

Fruits - numerous small dry capsules, 0.8 cm in diameter, flat-rounded, not lobed, greenish-red, at full maturity pink-orange. Fruits from September and until mid-autumn. Seeds white, ovoid, 0.5-0.8 cm long, covered by an orange aril.

Hardiness zone: 6-9 (-18°C).

Siting: tolerant of urban conditions. Grows well on neutral and alkaline soils; for acidic soils it is recommended to apply lime. Prefers light partial shade. Variegated forms can tolerate direct sunlight for a short time, but midday sun is undesirable.

Soil: not demanding regarding soil composition. Optimal soil mix – leaf soil, turf, peat and sand in the ratio 1:2:1:1. You can also use ordinary garden soil consisting of topsoil, greenhouse soil and sand in the ratio 3:2:1.

Care: if Euonymus japonicus produces two growth flushes, conditions are comfortable for it. When cone-like scales (buds) form at the shoot tip the growth period stops. When the buds open forming new leaves the next growth flush begins. At the start of the growth period it is recommended to apply nitrogen fertilizers, in the middle – complex fertilizers, at the end – phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. Do not fertilize during dormancy.

Pruning: requires frequent formative pruning, which is carried out in summer. To shape an attractive crown, shorten the longest shoots. Old plants can be rejuvenated by cutting them back almost completely.

Temperature: moderate or cool, poorly tolerates heat. Winter minimum for indoor Euonymus 10-12°C. In a heated room in winter, and with sudden temperature changes, it may respond by dropping leaves. In summer place outdoors in partial shade. Optimal summer temperature 23°C.

Light: Bright diffused light with a small amount of direct sun. A west or east window is suitable. On a south-facing window provide shade only during the hottest hours. Variegated Euonymus adapts to sun and on a south window shading may not be necessary.

Watering: generous from spring to autumn. The soil should remain slightly moist during the growth period, avoiding drying out. In winter water moderately.

Air humidity: Regular misting; occasionally a warm shower can be given. When kept in a heated room in winter, place the pot on a tray with water.

Transplanting: Transplant annually in spring, as the root system quickly expands. Euonymus is grown in pots and tubs. Planting should be done into moist soil only; bottom heating of the pot is also helpful during establishment. When transplanting some roots can be pruned.

Propagation: Garden forms are propagated in spring by dividing the bush or by cuttings. Cuttings are taken in June-July, 5-6 cm long with one internode. The soil mix for rooting cuttings – lower layer of river sand, upper layer of leaf, humus and turf soil, and sand. The plant roots in 1.5 months. Before planting it is recommended to treat cuttings with Kornevin. For seed propagation seeds require stratification at +2-3°C for 3-4 months. When the seed coat cracks on 80% of the seeds they can be sown. For this seeds are freed from the coat and disinfected in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. For seed storage it is necessary immediately after collection to stratify them in coarse-grained heated sand or in semi-decomposed constantly moist sphagnum peat.

Pests: Euonymus responds to pest attack by dropping leaves. Affected by aphids, spider mites, scale insects.

Diseases: rarely affected by fungal and infectious diseases. The most common is powdery mildew.

Companion plants: indoors it grows well with hibiscus, pittosporum, fatsia and schefflera. In summer it can be placed next to flowering balcony plants.

Uses: In Atlantic coastal regions Euonymus japonicus is grown instead of boxwood. Ornamental due to glossy dark green or variegated leaves and its good tolerance of formative pruning. In Ukraine it is grown as a tub, balcony or houseplant.