The spindle bush, as the creeping spindle is also called, originally comes from western and central China. The long-lived small shrub with dense foliage feels very comfortable in the Central European climate and can crawl several meters high thanks to its adhesive roots.
The creep spindle is very easy to care for
Find a suitable location
The creeping spindle is one of a few plants that can even thrive in deep shade. It also does well in semi-shady to shady places. If you have decided on a variety with variegated leaves, then it is better to plant it in a sunny location, because unfortunately the colorful coloring is often lost in the shade.
Spindle is very versatile and comes in a variety of sizes and colors. Depending on the species, it can be used as a groundcover as well as a climbing or hedge plant. Several creeping spindles are planted at a distance of about 30 to 40 centimeters.
Prepare the ground
Since the creeping spindle does not tolerate waterlogging, the soil should be fresh to moist or moderately dry. The creeping spindle thrives best on gravelly to loamy ground. It is quite tolerant of lime and likes it rich in humus. Solid soil should be loosened up a little before planting.
Water and fertilize creeping spindles
The sunnier your creeper is, the more water it needs. You only need to water this plant a little in the shade, but regularly in the sun. Since the creeping spindle has a fairly high nutrient requirement, regular fertilization is recommended. Use a slow-release fertilizer or well-ripened compost.
Pruning the creep spindle
The creep spindle is well tolerated by cuts. So you can use this plant well for a hedge and cut it regularly.
The essentials in brief:
- Location: green-leaved species in semi-shade to shady, variegated varieties rather in the sun
- Soil: gravelly to loamy, rich in nutrients, moderately dry to moist
- hardy
- cut compatible
- water regularly in the sun
- Fertilizer rarely needed
- Flowering period: June to July
- Flower color: white to greenish yellow
- Fruits: small red or orange berries, food for various species of birds
tips
Variegated creeping spindle varieties are very attractive. Although they also thrive in the shade, they lose their decorative foliage color there. It is better to give these varieties a sunny spot in your garden.