Origin
The Euonymus japonicus 'Marieke' hails from Japan, as its name suggests. This plant species belongs to the spindle family (Celastraceae). It has a long tradition in Japanese horticulture and is often used to keep gardens free from bacteria due to its natural insect-repellent properties.
Characteristics
The Euonymus japonicus 'Marieke' is a dedicated evergreen plant that helps to keep a garden vibrant all year round. This ornamental shrub exhibits a compact and ascending growth and is characterised by its yellow-green oval leaves. The green remains also in the winter months. The height can vary between 0.5 and 1.5 metres. The plant is also known by the name 'Japanese spindle'.
Care
The Euonymus japonicus 'Marieke' is an easy plant in terms of maintenance. The plant prefers sunny to semi-shady places and thrives well in normal garden soil. Regular pruning promotes dense growth and helps to keep the plant in shape. It can be pruned throughout the year, but the best time to do this is at the end of winter or early spring. Over-fertilising should be avoided as the plant does not require a lot of nutrients. Despite its robust nature, direct contact with hard frost should be avoided.