Euonymus fortunei is grown either as an evergreen, variegated shrub or as a semi-evergreen spreading groundcover. This broadleaf evergreen shrub is widely used as an accent plant in foundations, edgings, or group plantings. The groundcover form is a non-climbing alternative to the English Ivy, Hedera helix.
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F E A T U R E S |
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Form
-usually a small-sized, broadleaf evergreen, ornamental shrub, maturing at 2-4' tall x 2-5' wide (depending upon cultivar); upright clump to spreading clump growth habit
-the var. coloratus of this species is a broadleaf semi-evergreen woody groundcover, forming a procumbent mat up to 1'
-medium growth rate for both forms, slowing with maturity unless frequently pruned |
Foliage
-evergreen to semi-evergreen leaves are moderately shiny, with virtually no petiole
-opposite arrangement, elliptical, and finely serrated to crenate on the margins, ranging from 1-3" long, depending upon cultivar
-medium to dark green or variegated, with different degrees of green, yellow and/or white
-autumn color is variable, becoming distinctly red-purple-bronzed for the solid green-foliaged groundcover var. coloratus, but having hues of dull gray-green or pink in addition to the persistent but faded variegation for the shrub forms, depending upon cultivar
-leaves persist throughout autumn and some may slowly abscise during winter, especially on the groundcover form |
Flowers
-cream-yellow or lime-colored flowers bloom in June or July, but are usually not present or are ornamentally insignificant |
Fruit
-dehiscent capsules; inconspicuous, if present at all |
Twig
-usually medium green with a hint of corkiness, changing to tan with age
-stems, when placed next to a climbable structure (e.g., block or brick foundation, chain-link fence, tall wooden timbers, etc.) will clasp to it and take on a short clinging vine stature (no higher than 6') |
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Trunk
-not applicable |
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C U L T
U R E
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Culture
-full sun to partial shade (with the variegated forms performing best in partial sun to partial shade)
-tolerates poor soils, various soil pHs, soil compaction, heat, drought, shearing, and pollution, and is therefore urban tolerant
-propagated primarily by rooted stem cuttings
-possible damage from crown gall disease and euonymus scale pest
-abundantly available in containers
-rejuvenation shearing in early spring for the variegated shrub forms will keep their rapid growth inbounds and result in more vibrant variegated foliage |
Hardiness
-zones 5 to 9
Origin
-native to China
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U S A G E |
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Assets
-many variegated shrub forms, and one prominently-used groundcover form
-evergreen to semi-evergreen broadleaf character, often either variegated (shrubs) or winter-bronzing (groundcover)
-urban stress tolerant
Liabilities
-very prone to euonymus scale (often slowly lethal unless the insect infestation is treated with pesticides and/or dormant oil, and always unsightly), with a secondary infection of gray mildew occuring in extreme cases
-both shrub and groundcover forms retain blown leaves due to the numerous low, upright stems and retentive foliage |
Function
-foundation, specimen, facer, low hedge, edging, or group or mass planting shrub
-mass planting groundcover (if var. coloratus)
Texture
-medium texture in foliage
-thick density in foliage |
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S E L
E C T I 0 N S |
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Varieties
and Cultivars
- Search
OSU PlantFacts for additional plants in this species
Alternates
-evergreen groundcovers (Hedera helix, Liriope spicata, Lysimachia nummularia, Vinca minor, etc.) or broadleaf evergreen shrubs (Ilex glabra, Ilex x meserveae, Mahonia aquifolium, etc.) |