How to Grow Euonymus Compactus - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Euonymus compactus is a hardy, evergreen shrub that is very popular in gardens. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are finely toothed along the margins. The small, white flowers are borne in clusters in late spring and are followed by colorful fruits that ripen in fall.

How to Grow Euonymus Compactus - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Wintercreeper euonymus
  • Compact euonymus
  • Boxleaf euonymus
  • Dragon's blood euonymus
  • Spindleberry

Basic info

  • Euonymus compactus is a compact, low-growing evergreen shrub.
  • It has glossy, dark green leaves which are often variegated with white or cream margins.
  • Small, inconspicuous green flowers appear in summer, followed by colourful fruits which open to reveal orange-red seeds.
  • Euonymus compactus is native to East Asia but is widely cultivated in other regions.
  • It is tolerant of a wide range of soils and growing conditions but prefers full sun to partial shade.
  • This shrub is relatively low-maintenance and pest-resistant.
  • It can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
  • Euonymus compactus is often used as an informal hedge or groundcover in gardens.
  • It is also suitable for growing in containers.
  • Euonymus compactus can occasionally be affected by diseases such as powdery mildew or leaf spot.

Related plant:
Euonymus Japonicus Aureus

How to Grow

  1. For euonymus compactus, first step is to start with a young plant. You can find these at your local nursery or garden center.
  2. Choose a location that has well-draining soil and receives full sun to partial shade.
  3. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or manure.
  4. Water the plant well before transplanting.
  5. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the plant's root ball.
  6. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  7. Water the plant deeply after planting.
  8. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to help with moisture retention.
  9. Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth and to shape it as desired.
  10. Fertilize the plant once a year with a slow-release fertilizer.

Related plant:
Euonymus White Spire

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, euonymus compactus like a well-drained soil, and it's better to use a sandy soil. If the soil is too dense, it is easy to induce root rot. In addition, euonymus compactus is afraid of waterlogging, so it is necessary to control the water when watering, and try to keep the soil dry and ventilated.

Light requirement

Similar to other members in its family, euonymus compactus requires full sun to partial shade to maintain its compact growth habit. It is a suckering plant, so it will quickly spread in ideal conditions. Because of its dense growth habit, it is often used as a hedge or as a foundation planting.

The Temperature

The temperature conditions that are best for euonymus compactus growth are cool to mild temperatures. It can tolerate some shade, but does best in full sun. It is a tough plant that can withstand some drought, but prefers moist conditions.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 and 60%. The leaves of this plant will start to turn brown and curl if the humidity drops below 40%. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow.

Fertilizing

Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant includes euonymus compactus, skimmia japonica, and pachysandra terminalis. All three of these shrubs are acid-loving, so be sure to use a fertilizer that is formulated for acid-loving plants. If you have these shrubs in your garden, you will need to fertilize them twice a year- once in the spring and once in the fall. When applying fertilizer, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. When it comes to the roots of euonymus compactus, they are shallow and spread out. This makes them susceptible to drought and heat stress. Be sure to water your euonymus compactus regularly, especially during periods of drought. If you live in an area that is prone to drought, you may want to consider planting your euonymus compactus in a raised bed or container. This will help to improve drainage and prevent the roots from drying out.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your euonymus compactus plant healthy and vibrant. Pruning not only helps to shape the plant, but can also remove diseased or damaged leaves and stems. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp pruners to avoid damaging the plant.

About Propagating

Propagation is by seed, cuttings or layering. Sow seed in a cold frame in early spring. Take softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer and hardwood cuttings in late autumn. Layering is best done in late spring.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate within a single growing season is less than 18 inches. However, some may reach up to 24 inches in a season. The rate of growth varies depending on environmental conditions such as temperature, amount of sunlight, and quality of soil. The age of the plant also affects its growth rate; younger plants generally grow faster than mature plants.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, mites, and aphids. These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off the plant. To control these pests, use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap on the plant.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water your plant regularly. Whether you're growing euonymus compactus indoors or outdoors, make sure to water it frequently.
  • Place your plant in an area with full sun to partial shade.
  • Amend the soil around your plant with organic matter such as compost or manure to help it retain moisture.
  • Fertilize your euonymus compactus plant a few times during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your plant regularly to keep it looking tidy and to encourage new growth.
  • If you're growing euonymus compactus indoors, make sure to place it in a spot where it will receive bright, indirect light.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat them promptly if you notice any.
  • If you're growing euonymus compactus outdoors, make sure to plant it in an area that is protected from strong winds.

You May Like

  • Euonymus europaeus, European spindle tree
  • Euonymus hamiltonianus, Chinese strawberry tree
  • Euonymus japonicus, Japanese euonymus
  • Euonymus kiautschovicus, korean spindle tree
  • Euonymus latifolius, broad-leaved spindle tree
  • Euonymus phellomanus, wall spindle tree
  • Euonymus pseudoclavigatus, false-clove spindle tree
  • Euonymus pterocarpus, winged-fruit spindle tree
  • Euonymus rubiginosa, sweet-spindle tree
  • Euonymus sachalinensis, Sakhalin spindle tree

Source:
Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' - University of Florida
Euonymus Scale | University of Maryland Extension - UMD
Euonymus Scale - Penn State Extension

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