How to Grow Euonymus Fortunei Emerald N Gold - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Euonymus fortunei emerald n gold is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that is perfect for busy gardeners. This tough little plant is drought-tolerant and can handle full sun or partial shade. With its striking yellow and green foliage, euonymus fortunei emerald n gold is a great way to add some color to your garden.

How to Grow Euonymus Fortunei Emerald N Gold - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Emerald 'n Gold Euonymus
  • Wintercreeper
  • Wintercreeper Euonymus
  • Asian Spindletree
  • Fortune's Spindletree

Things to Know

  • Emerald n Gold is a hybrid cultivar of the shrub Euonymus fortunei.
  • It is a compact, mounded shrub that typically grows to 3-4’ tall and as wide.
  • It is noted for its attractive, glossy, dark green leaves with yellow margins which turn pinkish-bronze in fall.
  • Insignificant, apetalous, greenish-white flowers bloom in clusters in late spring. Flowers are followed by attractive, spherical, scarlet fruit capsules which splits open in fall to reveal the bright orange seeds.
  • Emerald n Gold is planted in full sun to part shade.
  • It prefers moist, well-drained soils, but will tolerate some dryness.
  • It is generally tolerant of a wide range of soils, including clay.
  • Emerald n Gold is Disease resistant.
  • Fertilize in early spring by applying a slow-release fertilizer.
  • Emerald n Gold can be pruned in late winter to early spring.

Related plant:
Euonymus Japonicus Aureus

Growing Steps

  1. For euonymus fortunei emerald n gold, first step is to find a location where the plant can receive full sun to partial sun. It is best to avoid areas with full shade.
  2. The second step is to loosen the soil in the planting area to a depth of about 12 inches.
  3. After loosening the soil, the third step is to mix in some organic matter such as compost or aged manure.
  4. The fourth step is to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  5. The fifth step is to place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  6. The sixth step is to backfill the hole with the soil that was removed earlier.
  7. The seventh step is to water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
  8. The eighth step is to apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
  9. The ninth step is to water the plant regularly during the first growing season to keep the soil moist but not saturated.
  10. The tenth and final step is to fertilize the plant once per month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Related plant:
Euonymus Emerald And Gold

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Emerald 'n Gold euonymus (Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n Gold') is tolerant of a wide range of soils, from sand to clay, as long as the soil is well-drained. This shrub is not particular about soil pH, and it will even grow in soil that is somewhat acidic.

Light condition

Like the other types of euonymus, Emerald ‘n Gold is quite tolerant of sun and shade, though it will produce the most vivid foliage color in sunnier locations. It is a good plant for foundation plantings, as hedges, or for use as a groundcover.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most suitable for growing euonymus fortunei emerald n gold is a temperature that is not too hot and not too cold. This plant can grow in a range of temperatures, but it prefers a temperature that is on the cooler side. When the temperature is too hot, this plant can suffer from leaf scorch, which can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off. If the temperature is too cold, this plant can suffer from frost damage, which can cause the leaves to turn black and fall off.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40-50%. The plant can tolerate lower humidity but its growth will be stunted. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this kind of plant need little fertilizer and too much fertilizer will do harm to its root. In general, euonymus fortunei emerald n gold is suitable to use organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer. The organic fertilizer can provide nutrients for the plant, while the compound fertilizer can improve the plants' ability to absorb nutrients. However, it is important to note that too much fertilizer will damage the root system of the plant, so it is important to use the proper amount.

Plant Pruning

Pruning euonymus fortunei emerald n gold is important to keep the plant healthy and looking its best. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying leaves or branches. It is also a good idea to trim back any overgrown branches.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald n' Gold is best done by softwood or hardwood cuttings taken from the plant in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and should be taken from healthy, new growth. Cuttings should be placed in a moist potting mix and kept in a warm, sunny location. Cuttings should be watered regularly and should root within 4-6 weeks.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 1 to 2 feet per year. However, if the plant is grown in rich soil and given adequate moisture, it can grow up to 3 feet per year. The plant does best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, leaf spot, and aphids. Scale can be controlled with horticultural oil, while leaf spot and aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap. These pests can cause the leaves to yellow and drop off the plant.

List to Know

  • Remember to water your euonymus fortunei emerald n gold regularly, especially during the hotter months.
  • Place your plant in an area that receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month.
  • Pinch off any dead or dying leaves or stems as needed.
  • Prune your plant annually to encourage new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for any signs of pests or disease and treat accordingly.
  • Provide good drainage for your plant by planting in a well-draining pot or raised bed.
  • Be patient – it can take a few years for euonymus fortunei emerald n gold to reach its full potential size.
  • You can propagate new plants from stem cuttings taken from an existing plant.
  • Enjoy your beautiful euonymus fortunei emerald n gold plant!

Related Plants

  • Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n Gold'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n Gold' variegated
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n Gold' (Spindle)
  • Euonymus fortunei variegated
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' (Spindle)
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' (Variegated Spindle)
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n Gold'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n Gold' (Variegated Spindle)

Source:
Euonymus fortunei | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gold' (wintercreeper euonymus, …
Emerald and Gold Wintercreeper - Missouri State University

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