How to Grow Euonymus

Euonymus is a commonly grown shrub, of which there are both evergreen and deciduous varieties.

The mainly evergreen fortunei cultivars are grown for their brightly coloured foliage. Illustrated above left is E. fortunei 'Harlequin', which is a low growing compact variety with a slight pink tinge to the leaves. On the right is the frequently grown E. fortunei 'Emerald n Gold', a bright shrub which will light up a shady corner, being tolerant of partial shade. The advantage of growing Euonymus is that they are tough shrubs that will tolerate less than ideal conditions, making them suitable for growing in a difficult area of the garden.

Euonymus grow best in a reasonably well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade. Euonymus will not tolerate deep shade. You can plant Euonymus at any time of the year, as long as the ground is not frozen. The shrubs are hardy to H5. The variegated varieties do better with more sun. Euonymus are easy to grow and virtually maintenance free. Euonymus are ideal for hedging, varieties such as Emerald n Gold, and E. Emerald Gaiety which are also reasonably quick growing.

The E.fortunei varieties are tough and will grow in an exposed site and windy areas. Below are images of two of the most commonly grown Euonymus fortunei evergreen varieties, Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald ‘n‘ Gold  (right) and Silver Queen (centre) illustrated as mature shrubs. Included in the centre image is Euonymus alatus, one of the best shrubs for autumn colour. More information about 22 Beautiful Shrubs and Plants for Autumn Colour.

As with all variegated plants, reversion can occur. This is when the shrub produces some new growth, which is without variegation. Should this occur, prune out the reversionary growth back to the main shrub to maintain the variegated foliage.

Euonymus is versatile, with excellent variegated foliage and often overlooked as a commonplace shrub, but to do so would under estimate their garden value as a maintenance free garden shrub with lovely variegated foliage.

 Check out Fast Growing Evergreen Shrubs for more planting ideas. 

Euonymus do not require routine pruning. Sometimes the evergreen variety may require pruning if they are displaying weak, spindly stems, uneven growth or shape, or have become overgrown requiring renovation.

Prune in early spring before the new growth is evident. Cut out any poor stems, and lightly trim into shape. Take out any dead or damaged stems. If there is uneven growth, level up. This is also the time to prune Euonymus if you are growing as a hedge to trim into shape.

If the Euonymus has become overgrown, you can renovate it by hard pruning. It is best undertaken gradually, removing around 1/3 of the overgrown material each spring.