Euonymus

Euonymus Fortunei – Best Plants In New Zealand!

Adding colourful shrubs such as Euonymus fortune to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds and bees.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Euonymus (commonly known as wintercreeper) plants, and we have the right one for your space. These have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Euonymus, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Euonymus Questions

1. Does Euonymus grow quickly?

Euonymus plants have a moderate growth rate, adding around 10-20 cm of new growth each year. However, some varieties, such as wintercreeper euonymus (Euonymus fortunei), can grow much faster, reaching up to 35-50 cm per year. The growth rate of Euonymus plants can also be affected by the growing conditions, such as the soil quality, sun exposure, and watering.

Here are some tips to help your Euonymus plants grow quickly:

• Plant them in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shady spot.
• Water them regularly, especially during hot weather and their first year.
• Feed them in the spring with a balanced fertiliser.
• Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

2. When should you plant Euonymus?

The best time to plant Euonymus is in the spring or autumn, when the weather is cool and mild. This will get them established before the heat of summer sets in.

3. Is Euonymus the same as wintercreeper?

Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei) is a specific species of Euonymus that is commonly used as an ornamental plant. It is a fast-growing, evergreen vine or groundcover that can be trained to climb trees or walls. It has attractive foliage that can be green, variegated, or purple. Other, more commonly known Euonymus are part of the genus of flowering plants that includes over 170 species.

4. What is wintercreeper?

Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortune) is a fast-growing, evergreen vine or groundcover that can be trained to climb trees or walls. It has attractive foliage that can be green, variegated, or purple. Wintercreeper also produces colourful fruits in autumn.

5. Is there an evergreen euonymus?

There are several evergreen Euonymus species, including:

• Euonymus japonicus: This is a large shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green leaves. It is a popular choice for hedging and is tolerant of salt winds, making it perfect for coastal gardens.
• Wintercreeper Euonymus (Euonymus fortunei): This is a fast-growing vine or groundcover that can be trained to climb trees or walls. It has attractive foliage that can be green, variegated, or purple. Wintercreeper Euonymus also produces colorful fruits in autumn.
• Manhattan Euonymus (Euonymus fortunei 'Manhattan'): This is a dwarf cultivar of Wintercreeper Euonymus with dense, compact growth. It is a popular choice for foundation plantings and small gardens.

6. What can I plant next to Euonymus?

Euonymus is a versatile plant that can be planted with a variety of other plants. Here are a few ideas:

• Shrubs that can be planted next to Euonymus include Viburnum, Forsythia, and Rhododendron. These shrubs will provide a variety of colours and textures to your garden.
• Perennial flowers for planting next to Euonymus include Hosta, Astilbe, and Coral Bells. These flowers will provide a variety of colours and blooms throughout the growing season.
• Ornamental grasses that can be planted next to Euonymus include Blue Fescue, Maidenhair Grass, and Japanese Forest Grass. These grasses will add texture and move with the wind in your garden.
• Groundcovers: Groundcovers that can be planted next to Euonymus include Pachysandra, Vinca, and Ivy. These plants will help to suppress weeds and keep the soil moist.

When choosing plants to plant next to Euonymus, be sure to consider the size and shape of the plants, as well as the desired foliage colour and bloom time.

7. Are euonymus fast growing?

The growth rate of euonymus can vary depending on the specific variety, but most are considered to have a moderate to fast growth rate. On average, Euonymus japonicus varieties can grow at a rate of around 10-20 cm per year, while Euonymus fortunei varieties can grow up to 35-50 cm per year.

8. Where is the best place to plant euonymus?

Choosing the best spot for your euonymus depends on its variety and your desired effect. Here are some factors to consider:

• Most euonymus varieties prefer full sun to partial shade. They'll thrive in at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Some shade-tolerant varieties like E. alatus (winged euonymus) can handle more shade, but their growth and flowering might be reduced.
• Well-draining soil is crucial. Euonymus doesn't tolerate soggy conditions, so avoid planting in clay-heavy soil or low-lying areas where water pools.
• Consider the mature size of your chosen euonymus variety. Some, like E. fortunei (wintercreeper euonymus), can be fast-growing and spread widely, while others like E. japonicus (Japanese euonymus) are more compact.
• Give your euonymus enough space to reach its full potential without overcrowding surrounding plants or walkways.

9. How big do spreading euonymus get?

Spreading euonymus, also known as Euonymus fortunei, is a popular evergreen shrub prized for its fast growth, dense foliage, and tolerance for a variety of growing conditions. While it's known for its spreading habit, the mature size of a spreading euonymus can vary depending on the specific cultivar and growing conditions.

Here's a breakdown of the typical size range for spreading euonymus:

• Height: Generally, spreading euonymus grows between 0.3 to 1 meter (1 to 3 feet) in height. However, some cultivars like Emerald Gaiety can reach up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) with proper care.
• Spread: This is where the "spreading" part comes in! Euonymus fortunei can spread considerably wider than its height, often reaching 2 to 5 meters (6 to 16 feet) in diameter. Some vigorous cultivars like Wintercreeper can even spread up to 8 meters (26 feet) if left unchecked.

10. Can euonymus be cut back hard?

Euonymus can generally be cut back quite hard. Their tolerance for pruning allows for shaping, size control, and even rejuvenation of overgrown shrubs. Here's what you need to know:

• The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This allows the plant to recover and put on new growth throughout the season.
• Light pruning or shaping can be done throughout the growing season.
• You can safely remove up to one-third of the plant's overall growth during a hard pruning.
• For severely overgrown euonymus, you can even cut back to the main stems, leaving just a few inches of growth.
• Avoid cutting into thick branches, as this can lead to dieback and disease.
• Euonymus is generally forgiving after pruning, but it's essential to water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods, to help it recover.
• Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilise lightly in early spring to promote new growth with https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/tree-and-shrub-fertiliser

11. How far apart do you plant euonymus?

The ideal planting distance for euonymus depends on two main factors: the purpose and variety.

Purpose:

• Hedge: If you're planting euonymus for a hedge, the spacing will depend on the desired density and mature size of the variety. For a full hedge, plant them closer together, typically 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. For a looser hedge, space them further, around 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart.
• Foundation plant: When using euonymus as a foundation plant, consider the mature size of both the shrub and the nearby structure. Leave enough space for the plant to mature without overcrowding the area, usually 3-5 feet (1-1.5 meters) away from the building.
• Specimen plant: If you're planting euonymus as a standalone specimen, space it according to its mature size and desired visual impact. Generally, allow 5-10 feet (1.5-3 meters) of space around the plant for proper air circulation and room for its full form to develop.

Variety:

• Fast-growing varieties: Like Wintercreeper euonymus (Euonymus fortunei), can spread quickly and require more space, typically 3-5 feet (1-1.5 meters) apart.
• Slower-growing varieties: Like Emerald Gaiety euonymus (Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety'), are more compact and can be planted closer together, around 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart.