When cold weather settles in and the autumn coloration disappears the yellow and green leaves of this fabulous little shrub will add color to your garden. The foliage keeps its color throughout the winter and brightens even the dullest garden in winter as well as summer. It is low growing, tough and undemanding so can be effectively be grown in a variety of sites. It can be grown on a hillside to control erosion, as a ground cover, specimen plant, hedge, or as part of a foundation planting. Plan carefully, however, as it may be considered garish if not used wisely. Einter creeper is member of the bitterseet family, Celastraceae, that also includes crucifiction thorn. The genus name, Euonymus, is the Latin word meaning, of good name, referring to the poisonous nature of the plant to animals (sic). The specific epithet, fortunei, honors Robert Fortune (1812-1880) Scottish horticulturist and plant collector in China.
Type: Woody, evergreen shrub.
Outstanding Feature: Variegated green leaves with bright yellow edge. A pink tinge may develop in fall or winter.
Form: Low-growing, dense, erect to semi-erect; will climb if given support.
Growth Rate: Moderate.
Bloom: Small greenish white flowers in June.
Size: 1-2’ H x 4’ W.
Light: Full sun to part shade.
Soil: Average, medium, well drained; will not tolerate wet feet.
Hardiness: Zones 5-8.
Care: Cut out green shoots. Cut back by 1/3 each spring to encourage bushiness.
Pests and Diseases: Scale can be a serious problem. Other possible problems include Anthracnose, crown gall, leaf spot, mildew and aphids.
Propagation: Semi hardwood cuttings.
Karen Meyers