Euonymus japonicus 'Aureomarginatus'

Japanese euonymus is a dense, oval, evergreen shrub or small tree commonly used as a landscape plant. It can be found in forest or natural areas in mixed deciduous forests and low woodlands, but can become weedy in disturbed areas around houses and buildings. In its native Japan, it is often found on slopes, in thickets and woods, and especially near the sea. It is drought and moderately salt spray tolerant, and can withstand heavy pruning. 

The Japanese euonymus cultivar, 'Aureomarginatus', is a dense, bushy, rounded shrub with evergreen foliage and variegated leaves. This shrub is typically grown for foliage as the flowers are insignificant. It is a smaller version of Japanese euonymus that will grow up to 10 feet tall with an 8-foot spread and is often used as a hedge, a specimen, in foundation plantings or even topiary. 'Aureomarginatus’ leaves are green variegated with yellow margins. Some of the foliage may revert to green, resulting in a shrub with a combination of yellow-margined leaves and solid green leaves.

The plant is in leaf year-round and produces small, non-ornamental blossoms in spring and early summer. The seeds are considered probably poisonous, while the rest of the plant may be poisonous if ingested in large quantities. It tolerates full sun and heavy shade but does best in sun-dappled conditions with some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. It is pH-adaptable and salt tolerant. It will grow in most soils, including clay, but does not do well in wet conditions.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and other plant problems:

It is susceptible to euonymus scale and is frequently damaged by deer. Powdery mildew can be a problem, as can mites, leaf miners, aphids, mealybugs and crown gall. Additional diseases which may appear include witches’ broom, stem dieback, and fungal leaf spots. Plants can be susceptible to attacks by caterpillars and are often damaged during the flowering season. 

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

More information on Euonymus.

More information on Euonymus japonicus.