Japanese spindle (masaki) Euonymus japonicus
Japanese spindle (masaki) (Euonymus japonicus) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Celastraceae family, native to Japan, Korea and China. It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
Plan Japanese spindle (masaki) in your garden →
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Japanese spindle (masaki) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan, Korea and China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Japanese spindle (masaki) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: fruit, seeds, leaves
Euonymus fruit and seeds are poisonous (ASPCA lists the genus): vomiting, diarrhoea and weakness.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Japanese spindle (masaki)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Japanese spindle (masaki)
- How far apart should I plant Japanese spindle (masaki)?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft).
- Does Japanese spindle (masaki) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Japanese spindle (masaki) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Japanese spindle (masaki)?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Japanese spindle (masaki) flower?
- From about June for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Japanese spindle (masaki) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people moderately toxic. Euonymus fruit and seeds are poisonous (ASPCA lists the genus): vomiting, diarrhoea and weakness.
- What grows well with Japanese spindle (masaki)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Japanese spindle (masaki). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Glossy leathery leaves, often variegated; a classic seaside hedge that shrugs off salt wind, clipped into balls and hedges from Japan to Italy. Watch for euonymus scale.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Burning bush Euonymus alatus
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Camellia Camellia japonica
- Gardenia Gardenia jasminoides