Wintercreeper Euonymus Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety'

This is one of the smaller broad leaf evergreen shrubs in the Euonymus genus (a group of plants with similar characteristics). It is bushy and slowly grows to about 5 feet tall with a 6 foot spread at maturity. However, if it is supported by a wall or trellis, it will climb. It has small leaves and Inconspicuous, greenish-white flowers that appear in early summer. It has red colored berries and good fall color. If grown in partial shade, it will encourage variegated leaves.

The shrub grows easily with average, medium moisture in well-drained soils with full sun to part shade. It will tolerate significant amounts of shade and a wide range of soils and soil conditions, except for wet ones. Once established, these plants tolerate some drought and urban conditions. The plant can spread aggressively with stems that root where they touch the ground. The 'Emerald Gaiety', like other shrubs in this genus, requires attention to prevent spreading. Even with removal of stems, birds spread the seeds widely into the woodlands where the shrub can overgrow native plants. Spread can be reduced by planting it in shadier areas which slows or reduces the number of flowers and resulting seeds. The plant can be trimmed annually after flowering to maintain an attractive shape.

Like other species of Euonymus, this shrub can be toxic if large amounts of any part of it are eaten.

Diseases, Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Euonymus scale can be a significant problem and should be treated if it appears. Anthracnose, crown gall, leaf spot, mildew and aphids can also be problems. Birds like the seeds and deer like the plant.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.

More information on Euonymus fortunei.