Coopmann's Euonymus

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Euonymus koopmanni (lat. Euonymus koopmanni) - ornamental shrub; a representative of the genus Euonymus of the family Euonymus. In nature, it is found in shrubs and interweaving of trees (more precisely, walnuts), deep mountain gorges, river valleys, near waterfalls and under the canopy of forests in Central Asia and China.

Interesting Facts

One of the most interesting and rare species, preferring shady areas. In the modern flora, Koopmann's euonymus looks very exotic, and this is not surprising, because the plant is ranked as a relict species. And, despite the climate change, unlike other extinct species, Koopmann's euonymus survived and continues to delight with its beauty and uniqueness. At present, active steps are being taken to introduce the species under consideration into culture, since the plant population is significantly reduced due to deforestation.

Characteristics of culture

Koopmann's euonymus is a low-growing evergreen shrub up to 100 cm in height, capable of forming long creeping lashes, which easily root when in contact with the soil, while forming ascending shoots. Stems are multifaceted, ribbed, sometimes equipped with narrow wings. Leaves are dark green, leathery, linear-lanceolate or narrow-lanceolate, shiny on the outside, glaucous below, slightly curled along the edge, up to 7 cm long. The flowers are inconspicuous, single or collected in inflorescences of 2-3 pieces, sit on long peduncles.

Fruits are four-lobed boxes of pinkish color, equipped with narrow wings. Koopmann's euonymus blooms in May - June, fruits ripen in July - August. In central Russia, fruits rarely ripen, but in warmer regions this ability has not been lost. Flowering begins in the third year after planting (we are talking about cultivated specimens). Koopmann's euonymus reproduces both by seed and vegetative methods. The best results are given by autumn sowing and propagation by offspring and layering.

Landing features

Coopmann's euonymus seedlings are best purchased in time-tested garden nurseries. It is advisable to plant them in early spring (before the onset of sap flow). The planting hole is prepared in the fall or at least two weeks before the intended planting. The hole should be twice the size of the root system of the seedling; in the presence of compacted and heavy soils, add another 15 cm under the drainage layer. Pebbles, broken brick or well-washed river sand are suitable as drainage.

After planting the seedling, the soil is tamped, leaving no air pockets, and watered abundantly. The seedlings will move into growth after a few weeks, but if this did not happen, it means that certain rules were not followed during planting, or the plants did not receive proper care. For successful survival, they provide systematic and moderate watering, as well as weeding. As soon as the plants take root, the number of watering is reduced, but at the same time the soil at the foot of the young shrub is not allowed to dry out.

Growing conditions

Unlike other members of the genus, Koopmann's euonymus prefers shady areas, it will not tolerate direct sunlight. The soils should be moderately moist, drained, loose, fertile (this is the most important condition), slightly acidic or neutral. You can increase the nutrient content of the soil with compost and mineral fertilizers. Koopmann's euonymus does not accept waterlogged, saline and heavy clay soils. In the latter case, cultivation is possible, but with the arrangement of high-quality drainage.

Diseases and pests and how to deal with them

Koopmann's euonymus is prone to damage by pests and diseases, and it is sometimes very difficult to fight them. It is important to take all measures in time to prevent this. Particular attention should be paid to shrubs in April, May and June, at the same time systematic preventive treatments are carried out. With a slight lesion, diseased shoots are removed, and the shrubs are sprayed with chemicals. If pests are found, there is no need to cut the shoots, the larvae or insects are removed by hand or processed.

Powdery mildew is considered among the most dangerous diseases for all types of euonymus; it manifests itself in the form of a gray-brown or white bloom on the leaves. If the intervention is not timely, the leaves turn yellow, and then fall off, often the disease leads to complete death. In order to prevent powdery mildew, plants are sprayed with antifungal agents in early spring. Among the pests, spider mites, scale insects and aphids should be noted. Insecticides are effective against them.