Euonymus hamiltonianus ‘Indian Summer’, commonly called the Indian Summer Spindle, is a deciduous shrub or small ornamental tree valued for its striking seasonal transformations. Belonging to the Celastraceae family, this cultivar was selected for its exceptional autumn colour and decorative fruiting display.
Through spring and summer, the plant produces dark green, glossy leaves that create a neat and refreshing canopy. As the year progresses, the true beauty of ‘Indian Summer’ reveals itself. In late summer and autumn, the foliage changes dramatically, turning to glowing shades of crimson, scarlet, and orange. This fiery display makes the tree a standout feature in gardens, especially when contrasted against evergreens or lighter planting schemes.
Adding to its ornamental appeal are the distinctive fruits. The tree develops clusters of pink seed capsules that open to reveal bright orange seeds, offering unique colour contrasts that persist well into autumn. These decorative fruits are an attractive feature for both gardeners and wildlife, providing food for birds while enhancing visual interest.
Euonymus ‘Indian Summer’ has a moderate growth habit, typically reaching 3–4 metres in height with a spread of 2–3 metres after about ten years. Its relatively compact size makes it suitable for a variety of garden settings, from mixed borders to smaller spaces where a striking specimen tree is desired. Its elegant branching structure enhances its year-round appeal, even when the leaves have fallen.
This cultivar thrives best in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. It prefers a sunny position to achieve the most intense autumn colours, though it will also tolerate partial shade. Pruning is generally minimal but can be done after flowering or fruiting to maintain a tidy shape. Once established, the tree is hardy and low-maintenance, adapting well to typical UK growing conditions.
Euonymus hamiltonianus ‘Indian Summer’ is a versatile plant that works equally well as a specimen feature, part of a seasonal planting scheme, or within a mixed shrub border. It pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, autumn-flowering perennials, and evergreen backdrops, ensuring year-round structure and colour contrast.
Overall, the Euonymus ham Indian Summer Tree is prized for its combination of rich autumn colour, distinctive pink seed capsules, and ease of care. Whether planted as a focal point or incorporated into a mixed garden design, it brings dramatic seasonal beauty and long-lasting ornamental interest.
The Euonymus ham Indian Summer Tree is a small to medium-sized ornamental tree with a compact, rounded growth habit. After around 10 years, it typically reaches a height of 3–4 metres with a spread of 2–3 metres, making it an ideal choice for gardens of varying sizes.
Its glossy dark green leaves provide a fresh, clean look during spring and summer. As autumn arrives, the foliage ignites into vibrant shades of red, scarlet, and orange, creating one of the most striking seasonal displays of any small garden tree. At the same time, the tree produces clusters of distinctive pink seed capsules, which split open to reveal bright orange seeds, adding another layer of ornamental appeal.
This combination of brilliant autumn colour, decorative fruits, and manageable size makes the Euonymus ham Indian Summer Tree perfect for borders, specimen planting, or adding seasonal highlights to both contemporary and traditional landscapes.
