Plant Details

• Botanical NameEuonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ’n’ Gold’
• Common NameEuonymus Emerald N Gold (Wintercreeper)
• Size & GrowthMounding 2–3 ft tall x 3–5 ft wide; can be kept smaller with pruning. May climb higher with support.
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA 5–9
• Foliage TypeBroadleaf evergreen; glossy green centers with golden margins; pink winter blush.
• Bloom TimeLate spring to early summer; small, inconspicuous flowers (grown primarily for foliage).
• Growth RateModerate (faster in fertile, well-watered sites).
• Light RequirementsFull sun to part shade; best gold color with 6+ hours of sun.
• Attracts PollinatorsLow; occasional small bees/flies visit the tiny blooms.
• Indoor FriendlyNot ideal long-term indoors; best grown outdoors. Short-term display only in bright, cool conditions.
• Container FriendlyExcellent for pots, patio planters, and mixed containers; responds well to clipping.
• Deer ResistantModerate; may be browsed under heavy pressure—protect if deer are prevalent.
• Pet WarningToxic if ingested by pets or people; may cause vomiting/diarrhea. Avoid chewing. Keep out of reach.
• FragrantNot notably fragrant; grown for foliage color.
• Cut FlowerNot a cut flower; variegated foliage can be clipped for arrangements and wreaths.
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Boxwood, dwarf conifers, Heuchera, Lavender, Salvia, Nepeta, Daylily, Spiraea, Hydrangea, ornamental grasses.

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsPlant spring–fall in a hole 2× as wide as the root ball, same depth as the nursery soil line. Tease circling roots, backfill, water thoroughly, and mulch 2–3 in, keeping mulch off stems.
• Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist the first growing season; once established, tolerates short dry spells. Avoid waterlogged sites.
• Soil TypeAdaptable to loam, clay, or sandy soils if well-drained; pH mildly acidic to slightly alkaline (≈6.0–7.5).
• HumidityHandles a wide humidity range outdoors; ensure good air flow to reduce foliar disease in very humid climates.
• Pruning InstructionsShear or selectively prune in late winter or after a flush of growth to maintain shape. Promptly remove all-green “reversion” shoots to preserve variegation.
• Winter CareHardy to Zone 5. In colder sites, mulch roots in late fall and shield from strong winter wind/sun to reduce leaf scorch. Protect container-grown roots from deep freezes.
• Planting DepthSet the crown level with or slightly above surrounding soil; do not bury stems. Space plants 24–48 in apart for hedges or groundcover.
• FertilizationFeed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer or 1–2 in of compost. Avoid excessive nitrogen to maintain compact growth and vivid color.
• Special CareMonitor for euonymus scale; inspect stems/leaf undersides. Treat early with horticultural oil if needed. Can send out runners or self-layer—edge or clip to confine. Avoid allowing stems to attach to wood siding if you don’t want it to climb.

Tip: Color is brightest in full sun with good drainage and modest fertility.