The euonymus is an attractive native tree with great benefits for biodiversity in your own garden. Propagation is possible using various methods.
Propagation via seeds is tedious but exciting
This is how you can multiply spindle trees:
- seed
- cuttings
- saplings
flowers and fruits
The euonymus develops inconspicuous flowers from May to June, the petals of which are greenish to white in color. The conspicuous fruits ripen between September and October. They are purplish-pink to crimson capsule fruits consisting of four lobes.
When ripe, the fruit burst open so that the seeds hang out on long orange threads. They are attractive to robins, thrushes and magpies. This earned the plant the nickname "robin bread".
seed
If you want to propagate the euonymus by seeds, you should collect and dry the capsule fruits before they burst open. Store the fruit in an open can in a dry place. As soon as the pods open, strip the seeds from the fleshy coat and sow them directly in the field.
If immediate sowing is not possible, you can store the seeds in a freezer bag filled with sand in the fridge. They retain their ability to germinate and can be sown next spring. It may take a few months for the cotyledons to show.
cuttings
This method is more promising than propagation via seeds. In the spring, cut shoots that are 10 to 15 centimeters long. If there are flowers or fruit buds on the shoot, they are removed. Cut the leaves in half to reduce evaporation.
You can place the cuttings in a glass of water or stick them directly into potting soil and keep them constantly moist. After three months, you can observe fresh shoots. They indicate successful root formation. If you plant the young plants directly outside, you should ensure good winter protection in the first winter.
saplings
Spindle trees reproduce themselves via root suckers. Look around the shrub for young shoots poking through the soil. These can be dug up and separated from the main root. Then plant the saplings in the desired location and water them sufficiently.