Euonymus is one of the most versatile evergreen shrubs. There are many varieties both green and variegated, all worth growing. Euonymous fortunei Emerald n Gold is one of the most common forms with bright-golden, variegated leaves. These turn an attractive pinkish-red in cold weather, making it a great choice for adding winter colour.
Euonymous fortunei Emerald n Gold is a great specimen shrub, but it can also be used as a low, informal hedge or as a climber. To get a bushy shape, cut back growth by a third in the first spring after planting, and get rid of any plain green stems that come back to the plant. Advertisement.
Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald n Gold’ is a beautiful evergreen shrub valued for its bright golden and green variegated foliage. This compact, mounding plant is perfect for adding four-season interest to gardens and landscapes. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about growing and caring for this eye-catching shrub.
Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald n Gold’ is a cultivar of Euonymus fortunei commonly known as wintercreeper. This evergreen shrub is native to parts of Asia but has become a popular ornamental plant worldwide.
The ‘Emerald n Gold’ cultivar stands out with its striking yellow and green variegated leaves New growth emerges bright gold in spring before maturing to a lime green with golden edges The leaves turn more golden in fall and winter, providing great seasonal interest.
This compact shrub typically grows 2-3 feet tall with a spread of 3-5 feet. It has a spreading, mounding form and makes an excellent groundcover. The stems have a reddish-purple hue that adds to its ornamental appeal.
Small greenish-white flowers bloom in summer but they are not very showy. The plant is grown primarily for its colorful foliage. It is very adaptable and thrives in a wide range of climates and soil conditions.
Growing Conditions for Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald n Gold’
Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald n Gold’ is easy to grow and care for Here are its preferred growing conditions
Sun: Full sun to partial shade. For best color, plant in a spot with at least 4 hours of daily sun.
Soil: Average, well-draining soil. Adapts to a wide pH range.
Water: Moderate watering needs. Requires more frequent watering in extreme heat.
Hardiness: USDA zones 5-8. Cold hardy down to -20°F.
Uses: Beds, borders, mass plantings, containers, groundcover, rock gardens. Good for erosion control on slopes.
How to Plant and Care for Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald n Gold’
With proper planting and care, the Emerald n Gold euonymus will thrive for years. Here are some tips:
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Planting: Plant in spring after the last frost. Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow room to spread. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Set the plant at the same level it was growing in the nursery pot. Backfill the hole, firming the soil around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.
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Soil: Euonymus prefers moist, well-draining soil. Amend clay soils with compost to improve drainage. Prevent wet, compacted soils which can lead to root rot.
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Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. An all-purpose 10-10-10 fertilizer is sufficient.
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Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot, dry periods. Established plants have moderate drought tolerance once their root system is developed.
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Pruning: Prune in late winter to shape and thin out overgrown plants. Cutting back 1/3 of the oldest branches stimulates new growth. Avoid shearing as it creates a twiggy look over time.
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Hardiness: Protect plants when temperatures drop below 0°F. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base in winter.
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Pests and diseases: Generally trouble-free. Aphids, scale, and spider mites are occasional problems. Avoid overwatering which can lead to fungal diseases.
Tips for Using Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald n Gold’ in the Landscape
With its compact size and bright color, Euonymus ‘Emerald n Gold’ shines in many garden applications:
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Use as an evergreen groundcover on hillsides and slopes for erosion control. Space plants 18-24 inches apart for solid coverage.
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Plant in mass as a colorful hedge or living screen. The shrubs fill in quickly. Leave some space between plants to encourage air circulation.
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Edge a pathway or driveway with a border of Emerald n Gold euonymus.
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Place in mixed beds and borders to provide year-round foliage interest. Combine with evergreen shrubs and colorful perennials.
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Grow in containers on patios and decks. Allow room for growth since it spreads up to 3 feet wide.
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Use as a neat, compact foundation planting. The variegated leaves contrast nicely against brick or siding.
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Plant as an accent around garden structures like arbors and trellises.
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Tuck into rock gardens and alpine gardens. Appreciates good drainage provided in these areas.
Alternate Variegated Euonymus Cultivars to Consider
If you like the look of Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald n Gold’, here are some other variegated cultivars to consider:
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Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n Gold’ – Very similar to ‘Emerald Gaiety’ with a compact form and bright yellow and green foliage.
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Euonymus fortunei ‘Wolong Ghost’ – Lush green leaves with thin white margins. Turns pinkish in winter. Grows taller, up to 6 feet.
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Euonymus fortunei ‘Silver Queen’ – Small dark green leaves edged in white. Grows 2-3 feet tall and wide.
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Euonymus japonicus ‘Silver King’ – Broad green leaves with white variegation. An upright grower that reaches 6 feet tall.
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Euonymus japonicus ‘Ovatus Aureus’ – Dark green leaves with golden centers. Grows up to 10 feet tall.
With its vibrant yellow and green foliage, Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald n Gold’ provides four-season color and texture. This adaptable, easy-care shrub thrives in gardens across a wide range of climates and soil types. Use it as an accent, hedge, erosion control, or in containers. With proper siting and care, the Emerald n Gold euonymus will add long-lasting beauty to landscapes.
Euonymus ‘Emerald n gold’ and wildlife
Euonymus ‘Emerald n gold’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Euonymus Fortunei Emerald & Gold (Winter creeper) tough reliable shrub climber plant
FAQ
How big do Emerald n Gold Euonymus get?
Is Emerald n Gold Euonymus invasive?
Does Euonymus emerald and gold like sun or shade?
What does Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald n GOLD’ look like?
Noted for its luminous and attractive foliage, Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ (Wintercreeper) is a low-growing, broadleaf, evergreen shrub with a spreading habit. It forms a dense, bushy mat of glossy, ovate to elliptic, dark green leaves edged with gold and tinged pink in fall and winter.
What is emerald N gold Euonymus?
Emerald ‘n Gold Euonymus, also known as wintercreeper, is prized in the nursery industry for its glossy dark green leaves with yellow margins. Emerald ‘n Gold Euonymus euonymous is a dense, woody-stemmed, broadleaf evergreen plant which grows to a height of up 2’ and a spread of up to 4’.
Is Euonymus fortunei emerald N gold drought tolerant?
Euonymus fortunei emerald n gold is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that is perfect for busy gardeners. This tough little plant is drought-tolerant and can handle full sun or partial shade. With its striking yellow and green foliage, euonymus fortunei emerald n gold is a great way to add some color to your garden.
How do you grow Euonymus fortunei emerald N gold?
Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with gold, green and variegated foliage. In summer green and white flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun – mostly shade and occasional water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil.
Is Euonymus fortunei evergreen?
Euonymus fortunei, commonly called wintercreeper euonymus, is a dense, creeping to mounding, broadleaf evergreen to semi-evergreen subshrub that will also climb using adventitious roots. Native to East Asia where it can be found in forests, thickets, and scrublands. It may appear as a trailing ground cover, a mounding shrub or a climbing vine.
What causes Euonymus fortunei emerald N gold leaves to turn yellow?
These pests can cause the leaves to yellow and drop off the plant. Remember to water your euonymus fortunei emerald n gold regularly, especially during the hotter months. Place your plant in an area that receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month.