Wintercreeper Euonymus fortunei 'Silver Queen'

This plant is identified as one of the smaller evergreen shrubs in the Euonymus genus (a group of plants with similar characteristics). However, various sources list its height as ranging from 2 to 8 feet. It easily spreads and can be grown as a shrubby ground cover. It can take up to 5 to 10 years to reach its full growth. In nature, the plant is often found in forest or natural areas in mixed deciduous forests and low woodlands; weedy in disturbed areas around houses and buildings.

Euonymus prefers full sun to medium shade, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, sand, and gravelly material. It tolerates heavy shade, is pH adaptable, and is easily transplanted from woody cuttings and tolerates a variety of soils other than wet ground.

It has small, pale green flowers that attract bees and often has attractive fall foliage. The foliage is glossy, elongated, and dark green with contrasting white margins. In cold weather the leaves often becomes tinged with purplish pink.  The berries resulting from the flowers are eaten by birds and the seeds are spread into the woodlands, with resulting shrub growth which can disrupt native plant habitats. The shrubs are difficult to eradicate. See shrubs listed to the left that also have variegated cultivars and are better behaved than this one.

Deer also like the plant. If used, spread can be reduced by planting it in shadier areas which slow or reduces the number of flowers and resulting seeds, thus reducing spread by birds. The foliage is the main attraction to the shrub.  

A number of plants in this genus are poisonous and caution is advised. Avoid eating any parts of this plant in large quantities. The berries in particular should not be eaten by humans. The berries are eaten by some birds which is how the plant is spread and often how it becomes more invasive.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Scale and winter leaf burn can be a problem. Susceptible to anthracnose, powdery mildew, aphids, and crown gall.

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

More information on Euonymus fortunei.