Euonymus vagans

Position: Partial shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 2m

Eventual Spread: 3m

Hardiness: 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11

Family: Celastraceae

Euonymus vagans, commonly known as Spindle, is an evergreen shrub with a bushy, spreading habit. Euonymus vagans is native to south China, Tibet, Nepal north east India, Laos and Myanmar. In its native habitat, Euonymus vagans grows in mixed woodlands and scrub. Its glossy dark green leaves are ovate. Its white flowers are small and insignificant. These are followed by orange/ red berries which persist on the plant during the winter months. Euonymus vagans is not widely available commercially in the UK.

Euonymus vagans (18/11/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Euonymus vagans Berry (18/11/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Landscape Architecture

Ilex aquifolium ‘Aurifodina’

Position: Full sun to light shade

Flowering period: Summer (insignificant)

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 8m

Eventual Spread: 3m

Hardiness: 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Ilex aquifolium ‘Aurifodina’, commonly known as Holly ‘Aurifodina’, is a slow growing evergreen shrub with a conical habit. The species, Ilex aquifolium, is native to western and southern Europe (including the UK), northwest Africa and southwest Asia. In its native habitat, the species, is found as an understory tree or shrub in Oak and Beech woodlands. The leaves of Ilex aquifolium ‘Aurifodina’ are mid green, edged with golden margins and are prickly. Its flowers are insignificant and attractive to pollinating insects, including bees. These are followed by berries which turn red during late autumn to early winter. This shrub provides good sheltering habitat for birds. Ilex aquifolium ‘Aurifodina’ may be used as an evergreen specimen shrub or as a hedging species. Necessary pruning should be carried out in late spring to early summer.

Ilex aquifolium ‘Aurifodina’ Leaf (28/07/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Ilex aquifolium ‘Aurifodina’ Leaf (28/07/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Landscape Architecture

Deutzia taiwanensis

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Late spring to early summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 3m

Eventual Spread: 3m

Hardiness: 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Family: Hydrangeaceae

Deutzia taiwanensis, commonly known as Taiwan Deutzia, is a deciduous shrub with a bushy habit. Deutzia taiwanensis is native to Taiwan, in its native habitat it grows in mountainous areas in thickets or mixed forests. Its green grey leaves are narrow. Its white flowers are borne in panicles and are attractive to pollinating insects. This shrub provides good sheltering habitat for birds. Deutzia taiwanensis may be used as an attractive specimen shrub for sunny and partially shady locations. Necessary pruning should be carried out after flowering.

Deutzia taiwanensis (30/06/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Deutzia taiwanensis Flower (30/06/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Landscape Architecture