Euonymus fortunei

Wintercreeper Euonymus
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

A fast growing evergreen ground cover vine, usually to only 4-12" tall on its own, but if a supporting structure is available, it can climb to heights of 40-70'. Adult types can make 1.5-6' tall mounding, woody "shrubs."

Native Range

Native to China, introduced 1907.

Flower and Fruit Details

Perfect flowers, greenish-white, 4-merous, 0.25 diameter, June-July, not showy, appearing only on adult forms. Fruits are dehiscent capsules, 0.33" diameter, usually a pinkish to reddish color, October to November and often persisting. Capsule opens to expose seeds which have an orange aril.

Leaf and Bark Features

Leaves are highly variable between the juvenile and adult forms, and especially depending on cultivar. Another compounding factor is its tendency to "sport" (mutate) and revert.

Culture and Care

Extremely easy to culture, transplants easily, pH adaptable, and is tolerant of most soils except wet. Tolerates both full sun and heavy shade. Zones 5-9. Green types are marginally hardy to Zone 4 if given protection. Susceptible to anthracnose, crown gall, leaf spots, powdery mildews, aphids, thrips, and scales. Most Euonymus fortunei were removed from BCA due to recurrent scale infestation, rest were removed and none replanted because of the invasive tendency.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

This species has become extremely invasive in many parts of the U.S. It is recommended that existing plantings of this species and its cultivars be removed - may take several years of vigilance depending on the size & strength of the colony roots.

Suggested Uses

This species has been determined to be invasive within our local region (KY, OH, and/or IN). Local use is not recommended.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA

The following taxa are (or were) represented in the collections at Boone County Arboretum. Additional taxa may be available in the trade that are not included here.

  • Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n Gold' // Emerald 'n Gold Wintercreeper Euonymus
    Shrub. Low-growing, tight branching habit, to 1.5-2' tall, occasionally higher. Foliage is glossy dark green with yellow margins, turning pink-red in cold weather.
    -- not currently in our collection --

  • Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' // Emerald Gaiety Wintercreeper Euonymus
    Shrub. Small, erect form of dense branching habit, 4-5' tall, will grow higher if supported by a structure. Leaves deep green with pronounced irregular white margin, margin becomes pink-tinged in winter.
    -- not currently in our collection --

  • Euonymus fortunei 'Grezam' // Greenlane™ Wintercreeper Euonymus
    Shrub. Grows to 4' tall and 4-6' wide. Thick, lustrous dark green leaves do not windburn and remain vibrant year-round. Develops pinkish fruits with orange seeds.
    -- not currently in our collection --

  • Euonymus fortunei 'Interbolwi' // Blondy® Wintercreeper Euonymus
    Shrub. Variegated leaves with prominent yellow center and dark green margin, subject to reversion. Grows to 18-20" tall, wider at maturity. A sport of 'Sunspot' discovered in a Dutch nursery circa 1990.
    -- not currently in our collection --

  • Euonymus fortunei 'Ivozam' // Ivory Jade™ Wintercreeper Euonymus
    Shrub. Grows to 2-3' tall and 6' wide. Large, rich green leaf with ivory margin.
    -- not currently in our collection --

  • Euonymus fortunei 'Manhattan' // Manhattan Wintercreeper Euonymus
    Shrub. Grows to 4-6' tall and 12' wide. Easily rooted from cuttings, but not proven particularly hardy.
    -- not currently in our collection --

  • Euonymus fortunei 'Moonshadow' // Moonshadow Wintercreeper Euonymus
    Shrub. Grows to 1-2' tall. Waxy leaves, more yellow in middle.
    -- not currently in our collection --

  • Euonymus fortunei 'Sunspot' // Sunspot Wintercreeper Euonymus
    Shrub. Grows to 3' tall and 6' wide, rounded, compact habit. Thick green leaves with pronounced yellow centers.
    -- not currently in our collection --