Euonymus fortunei - Euonymus or Wintercreeper Euonymus (Celastraceae) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Euonymus fortunei is a variable growth habit species Trunk (small shrub to groundcover form). Wintercreeper USAGE Euonymus is usually found in variegated shrub form Function and utilized as a broadleaf evergreen accent for -foundation, specimen, facer, low hedge, edging, or foundations, edgings, or group plantings. group or mass planting shrub -mass planting groundcover (if var. coloratus) FEATURES Texture Form -medium texture in foliage -usually a small-sized, broadleaf evergreen, -thick density in foliage ornamental shrub, maturing at 2-4' tall x 2-5' wide Assets (depending upon cultivar) -many variegated shrub forms, and one prominently- -the var. coloratus is a broadleaf semi-evergreen used groundcover form woody groundcover, to 1' -evergreen to semi-evergreen broadleaf character, tall when not near a often either variegated (shrubs) or winter-bronzing supportive structure (groundcover) -upright clump to -urban stress tolerant spreading clump growth Liabilities habit for shrubform -very prone to euonymus scale (often slowly lethal cultivars, and a unless the insect infestation is treated with pesticides procumbent mat growth and/or dormant oil, and always unsightly), with a habit for the groundcover secondary infection of gray mildew occuring in var. coloratus extreme cases -medium growth rate for both forms, slowing with -both shrub and groundcover forms retain blown maturity unless frequently pruned leaves due to the numerous low, upright stems and Culture retentive foliage -full sun to partial shade (with the variegated forms Habitat performing best in partial sun to partial shade) -Zones 5 to 9 -tolerates poor soils, various soil pHs, soil -Native to China compaction, heat, drought, shearing, and pollution, and is therefore urban tolerant SELECTIONS -propagated primarily by rooted stem cuttings Alternates -possible damage from crown gall disease and -evergreen groundcovers (Hedera helix, Liriope euonymus scale pest spicata, Lysimachia nummularia, Vinca minor, etc.) -abundantly available in containers or broadleaf evergreen shrubs (Ilex glabra, Ilex x -rejuvenation shearing in early spring for the meserveae, Mahonia aquifolium, etc.) variegated shrub forms will keep their rapid growth Cultiars – Variants – Related species in-bounds and result in more vibrant variegated -an abundance of cultivars exist, selected for growth foliage habit or variegation; only the most common are noted Foliage below: -evergreen to semi-evergreen, Euonymus fortunei var. coloratus - Purple medium to dark green leaves are Wintercreeper - probably the most common broadleaf moderately shiny, with virtually evergreen trailing groundcover after English Ivy no petiole (Hedera helix), becoming intensely burgundy-purple -opposite, elliptical, and finely in winter (bronzing), often found in raised planters, serrated to crenate on the along sidewalks, or at foundations, where it may also margins, ranging from 1-3" partially climb walls as a clinging vine for several long, depending upon cultivar feet in height; otherwise growing to 1' high as a dense -autumn color is variable, entangled groundcover mat; mulch upon trans- becoming distinctly red-purple-bronzed for the solid planting the plugs to achieve weed control and to green-foliaged groundcover var. coloratus, but prevent freeze heaving of the shallowly rooted having hues of dull gray-green or pink in addition to transplants during the ensuing winter; several the persistent but faded variegation for the shrub selections of this form are being sold under the same forms, depending upon cultivar; leaves persist cultivar name in the nursery industry throughout autumn and some may slowly abscise -E. fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' - a during winter, especially on the groundcover form shrub to 4' x 6' if unpruned, but often Flowers sheared to contain its vigorous -cream-yellow or lime-colored flowers bloom in June vertical as well as spreading habit, or July, but are usually not present or are ornamental- with emerald leaves that have a ly insignificant white to creamy margin; popular Fruits -E. fortunei 'Emerald 'n Gold' (right) -dehiscent capsules; inconspicuous, if present at all - like 'Emerald Gaiety' except that it Twigs has emerald leaves surrounded by a -usually medium green with a hint of corkiness, striking gold to yellow leaf margin; changing to tan with age also very popular -stems, when placed next to a climbable structure - E. fortunei 'Sun Spot' - a shrub with a golden- (e.g., block or brick foundation, chain-link fence, tall yellow stripe down the midrib of each dark-green wooden timbers, etc.) will clasp to it and take on a leaf; new stems also yellow, has a sprawling habit short clinging vine stature and slowly matures to 3' x 6 -not applicable.