Bare Root Trees ~ Spindle
Price range: £27.50 through £35.00
Details:
The Spindle is a small, bushy tree with year-round appeal, cherished for its fiery autumn foliage and unusual fruit. It thrives in sun or partial shade, making it a rewarding choice for gardens of all sizes. In October, its leaves glow with vivid reds, while bright pink capsules split open to reveal orange seeds. Often found in hedgerows, spindle is hardy, easy to grow, and a delight for wildlife.
 Soil Type | Acidic, Chalky / Alkaline, Clay, Most soils, Well-drained |
|---|---|
 Habit (Shape) | Narrow |
 Position | Exposed, Sheltered |
 Hardiness | Hardy (Cold winter) |
 Flowering Period | Jun, May |
 Attracts | Birds |
 Height (when grown) | 3-5m |
 Lighting | Full Sun |
 Blossom Colour | Yellow |
 Leaf Colour | Green, Red, Yellow |
Description
The Spindle tree is an underrated tree or large shrub which has an extraordinary seasonal display. In summer, its glossy green leaves provide a neat, fresh background in borders or hedgerows. Come autumn, however, the transformation is spectacular: the foliage burns with brilliant crimson, and pink seed pods appear, splitting open to reveal vivid orange seeds that persist into winter. Though not edible for humans, these fruits attract lots of song birds, adding to the Spindle’s value for wildlife.
Hardy and tolerant of a range of soils, including chalk, spindle flourishes in both sun and partial shade and requires little attention once established. Historically, its hard, fine-grained wood was used for making spindles, toothpicks, and pegs, giving the tree its name. Today, it remains an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a compact, easy-care tree that brings colour and character to the smallest of spaces, while supporting biodiversity.
