Creeping Strawberry Bush Euonymus kiautschovicus 'Manhattan'

Euonymus kiautschovicus 'Manhattan' is a cultivar of Euonymus kiautschovicus, also known as spreading euonymus. The parent plant is a broadleaf evergreen (or, sometimes, semi-evergreen) that matures to an 8 to 10 foot high rounded shrub. The 'Manhattan' cultivar is a smaller version of the parent, maturing to 4 to 6 feet high and 3 to 5 feet wide. The cultivar has 2 1/2 inch glossy leaves and an upright, rounded form. It was developed in Manhattan, Kansas, hence the name, and is in the staff-vine or bittersweet family. Note that it may not be evergreen in zones 5-6. In addition to the glossy green leaves, pink fruits also contribute to the ornamental features of this plant.

The 'Manhattan' cultivar is tolerant of a wide variety of soil types, except for wet ones, and will grow in full sun to partial shade. The ornamental aspects of the plant make it useful as a specimen, in foundation plantings, or as a hedge.

Insects, diseases, and other plant problems: Most Euonymus species are prone to Euonymus scale. However, 'Manhattan' is reported to have good resistance to this scale, although it is also viewed as being less hardy than its parent plant. Anthracnose, crown gall, leaf spot, mildew and aphids can also be problems.

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

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.