How to Grow Euonymus Aureomarginatus - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Euonymus aureomarginatus is an evergreen plant that typically grows to 1-2 m (3-6 ft) tall and wide. It is native to China and Korea. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, 10-15 cm (4-6 in) long and 3-5 cm (1-2 in) wide, with a pale yellow margin. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and borne in clusters. The fruit is a pink or red capsule, 3-4 cm (1-1.5 in) long, containing several seeds.

How to Grow Euonymus Aureomarginatus - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Wintercreeper euonymus
  • Spindle-leaf euonymus
  • Spindle tree
  • Winged euonymus
  • Burning bush

Good to Know

  • Euonymus aureomarginatus, also known as the golden euonymus or golden-variegated euonymus, is a species of flowering plant in the family Celastraceae.
  • It is native to Eastern Asia, from China to Japan.
  • It is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 5 m tall.
  • The leaves are opposite, elliptical to obovate, 2–7 cm long and 1–4 cm broad, with a conspicuously yellow-margined margin.
  • The flowers are small, greenish-white, and borne in axillary clusters.
  • The fruit is a small, fleshy drupe, green ripening to red or orange.
  • The plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive leaves, which are often variegated with yellow.
  • It is also used in topiary.
  • The cultivar 'Aureovariegata' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
  • Euonymus aureomarginatus is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the world, such as Australia and New Zealand.

Related plant:
Euonymus Japonicus Aureus

Growing Steps

  1. For euonymus aureomarginatus, first step is to find a place in your yard that receives partial sun to full sun. Six hours of direct sunlight each day is ideal.
  2. Prepare the planting site by clearing away any debris and loosening the soil with a shovel or rake.
  3. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the planting site.
  4. Place the euonymus aureomarginatus plant on the mound of soil, making sure the root ball is facing down.
  5. Gently backfill the soil around the plant, tamping it down as you go.
  6. Water the plant deeply, saturating the root ball and surrounding soil.
  7. Mulch around the plant with an organic material such as shredded bark or straw.
  8. Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. Prune away any dead or damaged branches as needed.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful euonymus aureomarginatus plant!

Related plant:
Golden Euonymus

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the best type of soil for planting euonymus aureomarginatus is a well-drained soil, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. This plant does not tolerate wet or soggy soils, so make sure the planting site has good drainage. If your soil is heavy clay, you may want to consider planting this shrub in a raised bed. Prepare the bed by adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure to help improve drainage and aeration.

About light

Similar to other shrubs, the sun is very important to the euonymus aureomarginatus. It needs at least six hours of sunlight a day, but preferably eight hours. The sun helps the leaves produce food for the plant and also helps with the growth of the plant.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that euonymus aureomarginatus prefers is warm. This plant species is native to tropical and subtropical Asia, so it is used to warm weather. In fact, euonymus aureomarginatus can't tolerate cold temperatures at all. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant will start to experience damage. Even if the temperature is only slightly cooler than that, the plant may not be able to produce food as efficiently.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50% Euonymus aureomarginatus is an evergreen shrub that is native to East Asia. It is also known as the golden euonymus or the variegated euonymus. The leaves of this plant are variable in shape and size, but they are typically elliptical and have bright yellow margins. The flowers are small and green, and they are borne in clusters. The berries are red, and they contain seeds that are poisonous.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this plant does best with organic matter mixed into the soil at planting time. After that, a slow-release fertilizer can be used according to package directions. As far as the roots go, this plant has a very shallow root system and benefits from a layer of mulch to help keep the roots cool and moist.

Light requirement

Pruning is a critical step in the care of euonymus aureomarginatus, also known as the golden euonymus. This deciduous shrub is native to China and Japan and is prized for its glossy green leaves that are edged in golden yellow. Pruning helps to maintain the compact, mounded shape of the shrub and encourages new growth. It also helps to control the spread of this vigorous plant.

Plant Propagation

Propagation for euonymus aureomarginatus can be done through seed, softwood cuttings, or hardwood cuttings. Seed will take the longest to germinate and should be started in the spring. Softwood cuttings can be taken in the spring or summer, while hardwood cuttings should be taken in the winter.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate quickly, especially when young. They can easily double or triple their size in a single growing season under optimal conditions. Once they reach maturity, their growth slows considerably. However, they can still put on a few inches of growth each year if conditions are favorable. Overall, euonymus aureomarginatus is considered a fast-growing plant.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are chlorosis, edema, powdery mildew, and root rot. Chlorosis is a condition where the leaves turn yellow due to a lack of chlorophyll. Edema is a condition where the leaves swell up and look waterlogged. Powdery mildew is a white powdery fungus that grows on the leaves. Root rot is a condition where the roots of the plant rot and the plant dies.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to plant your euonymus aureomarginatus in an area with full sun to partial shade.
  • This shrub does best in well-drained, organically rich soil.
  • If planting more than one shrub, space them at least 3 feet apart.
  • When first planting, water your euonymus aureomarginatus deeply and regularly for the first few weeks.
  • Be sure to fertilize your shrub in early spring and midsummer with a balanced fertilizer.
  • To encourage new growth, prune your euonymus aureomarginatus in late winter or early spring.
  • This plant is generally pest and disease free, but keep an eye out for aphids and scale.
  • Euonymus aureomarginatus can be propagated by seed, softwood cuttings, or hardwood cuttings

You May Like

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  • Euonymus fortunei
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  • Euonymus kiautschovicus
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Source:
Euonymus Scale | University of Maryland Extension - UMD
Euonymus caterpillars - MSU Extension
Euonymus Leaf Notcher | University of Maryland Extension

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