Wintercreeper Euonymus
Euonymus fortunei
A versatile evergreen ground cover prized for its glossy, colorful foliage and ability to thrive in challenging conditions. Available in numerous cultivars with variegated green and white or green and yellow leaves that add brightness to shaded areas. This adaptable plant can also climb walls or trees when given support, making it incredibly useful in landscape design.
Sun
Full sun to full shade
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
14-32 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Wintercreeper Euonymus in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ground-cover →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Wintercreeper Euonymus · Zones 4–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry, Very Dry. Height: 14 ft. 0 in. - 32 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 3 feet-6 feet, 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Colorata' Ground cover/climber with coarsely serrate leaves which turn purple in autumn. 'Emerald Gaiety' Small leaves and non-showy flowers 'Emerald 'n' Gold' 'Kewensis' 'Longwood' 'Manhattan'Better resistance to Euonymus scale 'Silver Queen' Small, pale green flowers that attract bees 'Sunspot'Compact shrub form with thick green leaves with pronounced yellow centers. Leaves are prone to sport and revert. var. radicans, 'Colorata', 'Emerald Gaiety', 'Emerald 'n' Gold', 'Kewensis', 'Longwood', 'Manhattan', 'Silver Queen', 'Sunspot', var. radicans. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fertile flowers are replaced by seed capsules that become mature during the autumn. Mature seed capsules are white, globoid, and about ¼ inch across. Eventually, they split open to reveal fleshy arils that are orange to red; solitary seeds occurs within these arils.
Color: Orange, Pink, Red/Burgundy, White. Type: Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Showy
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Toxic when ingested in large quantities.
History & Origin
Origin: East Asia, China, Japan, and Korea.
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: #evergreen#poisonous#full sun tolerant#shrub#semi-evergreen#salt tolerant#high maintenance#fast growing#aggressive#deer browsing plant#fantz#weedy vine#vine#partial shade tolerant#climber#landscape plant sleuths course#weedy#HS111#hortcontest
- +Attracts: Bees, Songbirds
- +Wildlife value: birds are attracted to the seeds in the fall.
- +Edible: Toxic when ingested in large quantities.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -Toxic (Bark, Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Sap/Juice, Seeds, Stems): Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Shares similar shade tolerance and soil preferences, creates layered textural contrast
Astilbe
Thrives in similar partial shade conditions and provides colorful blooms above the ground cover
Heuchera
Compatible growing conditions and adds colorful foliage interest without competing for space
Ferns
Both prefer partial shade and moist soil, creates natural woodland garden aesthetic
Ajuga
Similar low-growing habit and shade tolerance, provides spring flowers
Pachysandra
Compatible evergreen ground cover that shares similar cultural requirements
Japanese Painted Fern
Complementary silver foliage provides contrast while thriving in similar conditions
Caladium
Adds seasonal color in shade and doesn't compete with the evergreen ground cover
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can cause yellowing and decline in Euonymus
Dense Tree Canopy
Excessive shade and root competition can weaken growth and increase disease susceptibility
Vinca Minor
Both are aggressive spreaders that will compete intensely for territory
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally hardy but can be affected by scale and fungal issues
Common Pests
Euonymus scale, aphids, spider mites
Diseases
Crown rot, powdery mildew, anthracnose