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 climb several meters high thanks to its adhesive roots.
How do you properly care for the creeping spindle?
The creeping spindle requires a semi-shady to shady location (variegated varieties tend to be sunny), gravelly to loamy, nutrient-rich soil, moderate irrigation (water regularly in the sun) and occasional fertilization. It is hardy, tolerates cutting and blooms from June to July.
Finding a suitable location
The creeping spindle is one of the few plants that can even thrive in deep shade. It also feels comfortable in semi-shady to shady places. If you have decided on a variegated variety, then it is better to plant it in a sunny location, as the colorful coloring is unfortunately often lost in the shade.
The spindle bush is very versatile and available in different sizes and colors. Depending on the species, it can be used just as well as a ground cover plant as well as a climbing or hedge plant. Several creeping spindles are planted at a distance of around 30 to 40 centimeters.
Preparing the soil
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 substrates. It is quite tolerant of lime and likes it to be rich in humus. You should loosen up solid soil a little before planting.
Watering and fertilizing creeping spindles
The sunnier your creeper is, the more water it needs. In the shade you only need to water this plant a little, but in the sun you need to water it regularly. Since the creeping spindle has a very high nutrient requirement, regular fertilization is recommended. Use a slow-release fertilizer (€12.00 on Amazon) or well-seasoned compost.
Crunching the creeping spindle
The creeping spindle tolerates cutting well. So you can use this plant for a hedge and cut it regularly.
The most important things in brief:
- Location: green-leaved species partially shaded to shady, variegated varieties tend to be sunny
- Soil: gravelly to loamy, nutrient-rich, moderately dry to moist
- hardy
- cut compatible
- water regularly in the sun
- Fertilizer rarely necessary
- Flowering period: June to July
- Flower color: white to greenish yellow
- Fruits: small red or orange berries, food for various bird species
Tip
Colour-leaved varieties of creeping spindle are very attractive. Although they also thrive in the shade, they lose their decorative foliage color there. It's better to give these varieties a sunny spot in your garden.
