Description

Euonymus Silver Queen is an elegant, evergreen shrub prized for its neat habit and striking variegated leaves—cool green centers framed by clean, creamy-white margins that can flush soft pink in cold weather. Tough and adaptable, it accepts pruning beautifully, making it a natural choice for low hedges, clipped forms, and year-round structure in borders and containers. Small, greenish-white flowers appear in late spring but are typically grown past for the foliage. Performs best with good light and well-drained soil.

Plant Details

Botanical Name

Euonymus Silver Queen

Common Name

Euonymus Silver Queen

Size & Growth

Typically 4–6 ft tall and wide (1.2–1.8 m); can reach 6–8 ft in mild climates; dense, easily kept smaller by pruning.

Hardiness Zones

USDA 7–10 (provide wind protection and mulch in colder locations).

Foliage Type

Evergreen, variegated; oval leaves with creamy-white margins and green centers; may blush pink in winter.

Bloom Time

Late spring to early summer; small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers.

Growth Rate

Moderate; quick to fill as a low hedge with light shearing.

Light Requirements

Full sun to partial shade; 4–6+ hours of sun yields best variegation (more shade = softer color).

Attracts Pollinators

Low to modest; flowers may draw small bees/hoverflies but not a major pollinator plant.

Indoor Friendly

Not ideal indoors long-term; prefers outdoor conditions. Overwinter containers in a bright, cool spot if needed.

Container Friendly

Excellent in patio pots and as clipped forms; choose a container with drainage and adequate volume.

Deer Resistant

Moderate; often tolerated but may be browsed where deer pressure is high.

Pet Warning

All parts can cause gastrointestinal upset if chewed/ingested. Keep away from pets and children.

Fragrant

Not notably fragrant; grown for foliage effect.

Cut Flower

Foliage stems are useful and long-lasting in arrangements; harvest firm, mature shoots.

Grows Well With

Boxwood, Loropetalum, Nandina, Helleborus, Heuchera, dwarf conifers, Carex/ornamental grasses.

Note: If grown in deeper shade, variegation will be softer and growth looser; prune out any all-green reversions promptly to maintain pattern.

Care Tips

Planting Instructions

Plant in spring or early fall. Dig a hole 2× the width of the root ball and the same depth; loosen sides, set plant level, backfill with native soil, water in, then mulch 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) keeping mulch off stems.

Soil Moisture

Keep evenly moist the first season; afterward, water deeply when the top 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) dry. More drought-tolerant once established.

Soil Type

Well-drained loam or sandy loam; tolerates clay if drainage is improved. pH 6.0–7.5. Good coastal tolerance once established.

Humidity

Average outdoor humidity is fine; ensure airflow to reduce risk of euonymus scale. Avoid stagnant, enclosed indoor sites.

Pruning Instructions

Shape in late winter/early spring; tip-prune after spring flush to maintain size. Remove any all-green reversions at their origin. Suitable for hedging and light shearing.

Winter Care

Mulch root zone before hard frost; site out of harsh winter winds. Container plants: insulate pots or move to a sheltered, bright, frost-free location.

Planting Depth

Set the crown at soil level—no deeper. In containers, position soil 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) below rim for watering space.

Fertilization

Apply a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer in early spring (e.g., 10‑10‑10). Avoid excess nitrogen to preserve strong variegation. Containers: light monthly feed during active growth.

Special Care

Monitor for euonymus scale/aphids; inspect undersides of leaves. Treat early with horticultural oil if needed. Rotate containers for even light; refresh mulch annually.