Evonimo - Fusaggine

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Celastraceae

Order

Celastrales

Genus

Euonymus

Species

europaeus

Description

Vigorous, upright, deciduous, polyannual shrub. The expanded foliage bears numerous small, light green, oval or lance-shaped leaves that turn red-orange in a scenic autumn foliage process. Further ornamental value is conferred by the fruits, pink or deep red capsules with a distinctive shape from which the common Italian name 'Berretta da prete' is derived. Rustic, it is adapted to different soil and climatic conditions, tolerating temporary drought. Ideal for creating hedges, even mixed ones, in gardens or terraces, paying particular attention to the intended use as it is a toxic plant.

Varietal description

The genus evonymus (euonymus) is a versatile shrub plant and comes in many species, both deciduous and evergreen. It has green leaves and white or yellow variegation. The euonymus europaeus, called fuschia, is deciduous and produces very decorative reddish orange fruits. It is an autochthonous plant of our Italian territory and can be found in various continental, hilly and Mediterranean habitats. Deciduous species lose their leaves in early winter and are cultivated for their beautiful autumn colours. Evergreen evonimas, on the other hand, are ideal for creating hedges. Small, oval-shaped, glossy emerald green leaves. Hardy plant that withstands drought or water stress well. Suitable for gardens, hedges, parks and for planters or pots.

curiosity and special features

The common Italian name given to the evonymus, 'Fusaria', refers to the use in antiquity of the wood of the stem to make spindles for spinning wool, while 'Berretto del prete' was given because of the similarity of the shape of the fruit with the tricorn, the headgear used by the Catholic clergy.

Origin and Diffusion

A native species of the range extending from Europe to the Caucasus, it is an indigenous plant of our Italian territory, present in various continental, hilly and Mediterranean habitats.

Leaf

The leaves have jagged, ovate laminae with a fiendishly serrated margin.

Flowering period

It flowers from late winter to mid-spring for a duration of 10 to 20 days.

Leaf color

Homogeneous , solid colouring that takes on bright, vibrant colours during autumn, giving it additional ornamental value.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 1 to 3 m, depending on cultivation conditions.

Lifespan

Polyennial deciduous shrub. There are species belonging to the botanical genus Euonymus that are evergreen and others that are deciduous.

Suggested planting locations

With its broadly versatile use, it is suitable for flowerbeds, flowerbeds, planters, gardens and parks, large flowerbeds and road roundabouts, open fields, hedges, terraces, outdoor tubs, in flowerbeds in temperate zones, according to the temperatures described in the dedicated section

Flower

The flower has a simple, small form with a star-shaped corolla and single-coloured petals. It flowers from late winter to mid-spring, with a flowering period of between 10 and 20 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Medium to vigorous growing shrub.

Plant habit

It develops a bushy habitus, suitable for creating hedges.

branching

Abundant branching allows for a dense and dense foliage.

pH

It prefers a soil or substrate pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

soil preparation

For late autumn transplanting, prepare the soil by lightly digging, removing any weeds present and bulky pebbles; also bury slow-release balanced fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants.

sun exposure

Suitable for full sun exposition.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 0.0 and 30 °C for suitable vegetative growth.

Use

Due to its versatility, it is appreciated as a plant in:

Outdoor ornamental Outdoor Landscape Design Landscaping Environmental consolidation plants

Hardiness

Avery hardy plant, it tolerates hot summer weather as well as cold winter weather.

Soil/medium

For proper root growth, the soil must be light, fresh and well draining. For pots and tubs, use a new, high-quality substrate based on peat and perlite.

Maintenance

Following proper enrichment in the new planting site, the cultivation of evonymus is fairly easy, requiring a low level of management effort.

cultivation tips

Some useful tips and cultivation aspects:

Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Plant that adapts very well to cold winter climates, and also thrives in frozen soil conditions. Can be planted in sunny beds or in mid-shade. Requires little but regular fertilisation Exposure to direct light Correct pruning

planting

Transplant keeping the collar off the surface, in loam or loose, light soil to encourage root development; compact the soil around the collar and water without producing waterlogging.

pruning

During the winter dormant period, prune correctly to form the plant into a multi-branched bush or sapling. Also remove any dry or damaged branches.

Reproduction/Propagation

Propagation is by seed and cuttings.

Irrigation

Allow the soil or substrate to dry slightly between successive irrigations, preventing water stagnation and prolonged dryness. When growing in pots or planters, irrigate weekly depending on the seasonality of heat and evapotranspiration.

Fertilization

When preparing the soil for transplanting, carry out a background fertilisation by burying slow-release granular fertiliser specific for ornamental plants. Following transplanting, apply balanced fertilisation, depending on the season: nitrogen in spring and phosphorus-potassium in early summer.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Human toxicity

Toxic species.

advise 1

Plant suitable for both ornamental and naturalistic use for environmental restoration. Excellent spring and autumn appearance for fruit and leaf colouration. Very hardy and resistant to drought stress and excess water. In cultivation and maintenance, fertilise periodically with humic acids.