How to Grow Climbing Euonymus - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Climbing euonymus is a species of flowering plant in the family Celastraceae, native to China. It is a climbing evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 5–10 m (16–33 ft) tall, with opposite, oval leaves 3–8 cm (1–3 in) long and 2–4 cm (0?8–1?6 in) broad. The flowers are small, yellowish-white, with four petals, produced in axillary clusters in late spring or early summer. The fruit is a small, red drupe 3–4 mm diameter, ripening in autumn.

How to Grow Climbing Euonymus - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Spindle
  • Strawberry tree
  • Bittersweet
  • Burning bush
  • Wahoo

Good to Know

  • Climbing euonymus is a fast-growing, evergreen vine.
  • It can climb up to 30 feet (9 m) high and is often used as a groundcover.
  • The glossy, dark green leaves are 3-6 inches (6-12 cm) long and have toothed margins.
  • Small, fragrant, white flowers bloom in the spring, followed by orange-red fruits.
  • Climbing euonymus is native to Asia and is hardy in USDA zones 6-
  • It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  • It is tolerant of urban pollution and salt spray.
  • It can be propagated by seed, softwood cuttings, or layering.
  • It is susceptible to several diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
  • It is also a host plant for the euonymus scale, a destructive insect pest.

Related plant:
Climbing Shrubs

How to Grow

  1. For climbing euonymus, first step is to find a good location. It should be in full sun to partial shade.
  2. The second step is to prepare the soil. It should be well-drained and fertile.
  3. The third step is to plant the euonymus in the prepared location.
  4. The fourth step is to water the plant regularly.
  5. The fifth step is to fertilize the plant regularly.
  6. The sixth step is to prune the plant regularly.
  7. The seventh step is to mulch the plant regularly.
  8. The eighth step is to protect the plant from pests and diseases.
  9. The ninth step is to harvest the plant regularly.
  10. The tenth step is to enjoy the plant!

Related plant:
Climbing Hydrangea Varieties

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the climbing euonymus can adapt to different soil conditions and is not too picky. It can grow in poor soils as long as the soil is well-drained. It prefers slightly acidic soils but can also tolerate alkaline soils. It can also tolerate drought conditions once it is established.

Light requirement

Not too different with other Euonymus species, the Climbing Euonymus is a plant that does best in full sun to partial sun. It is a fast-growing vine, and can quickly cover a wall or trellis. It is a hardy plant and can tolerate some shade, but will not flower as prolifically in shady areas. The Climbing Euonymus does best in moist, well-drained soils, but is tolerant of a wide range of soil types.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition is perfect for climbing euonymus. The cool weather allows the plant to remain compact and the leaves stay green and glossy. The plant does not like hot weather and will drop its leaves if the temperature gets too high.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity gets too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this plant does not require much. In fact, too much fertilizer will result in fewer flowers. It's best to use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. When it comes to the roots, euonymus is a tough plant and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. However, it prefers well-drained soil. If the roots are waterlogged, they will rot.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your climbing euonymus healthy and looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. This will help promote new growth. Also, be sure to trim back any branches that are growing too close to the main trunk. This will help keep the plant from becoming too top-heavy.

The Propagation

Propagation of climbing euonymus is typically done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is still soft and flexible. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and include at least 2-3 leaves. Cuttings should be taken from the parent plant in late spring or early summer. To root the stem cuttings, fill a planting pot with a well-draining potting mix. Place the cuttings in the potting mix and water well. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect. Place the pot in a bright, warm location out of direct sunlight. Keep the potting mix moist but not wet. Roots should form within 4-6 weeks. After the roots have formed,Carefully remove the plastic bag and allow the cutting to adjust to the new environment for a few days. Once adjusted, plant the cutting in a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is rapid, with some species growing as much as 3 feet per year. The climb is a vigorous one that can take this plant up walls, trellises, and fences with ease. The glossy leaves and colorful fruits of some varieties make it an attractive addition to the landscape.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot, root rot, and stem canker. These can be caused by different fungi, depending on the species of euonymus. Many of these problems can be prevented by planting euonymus in well-drained soil and providing adequate air circulation around the plant.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your climbing euonymus regularly, as it will need a lot of moisture to stay healthy.
  • Place your plant in a location where it will receive plenty of sunlight each day.
  • Be sure to fertilize your climbing euonymus regularly, using a high-quality fertilizer.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it from getting too leggy.
  • When you first get your climbing euonymus, it is best to stake it so that it can grow properly.
  • Be careful not to overwater your plant, as this can lead to problems such as root rot.
  • Once your plant is established, you can training it to climb a trellis, fence, or other structure.
  • Keep an eye out for pests, such as aphids, which can cause problems for your plant.
  • If you live in an

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Source:
PCA Alien Plant Working Group - Climbing Euonymus (Euonymus …
Welcome to the Vines at Brandeis
Euonymus Scale - Penn State Extension

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