How to Grow Euonymus Fortunei Radicans - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Euonymus fortunei radicans is a plant that is native to China. It is a member of the Celastraceae family and is also known as the winter creeper. This plant is an evergreen that can grow to be about 10 feet tall. The leaves of this plant are dark green and glossy. The flowers of the plant are small and white. The fruit of the plant is a red berry.

How to Grow Euonymus Fortunei Radicans - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • cytisus scoparius
  • scotch broom
  • french broom
  • common broom
  • european broom

Good to Know

  • Euonymus fortunei radicans is a flowering plant in the genus Euonymus.
  • It is native to China and Korea.
  • It is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 3–5 m (8–14 ft) tall.
  • The leaves are opposite, glossy dark green, elliptical to oblong, 3–7 cm (2–8 in) long and 1–5 cm (0.39–0.98 in) broad.
  • The flowers are small, yellowish-white, borne in axillary or terminal clusters.
  • The fruit is a pink- or orange-red capsule, splitting open to reveal the red-coated seeds within.
  • The plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions for its glossy leaves and often for its autumnal leaf colour.
  • Many cultivars have been developed, of which 'Emerald 'n Gold' (with leaves edged gold) and 'Manhattan' (with very deep green leaves) have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
  • It is also commonly used as a bonsai subject.
  • The species can be invasive in some areas outside its native range, such as parts of the eastern United States.

Related plant:
Euonymus Japonicus Aureus

How to Grow

  1. For euonymus fortunei radicans, first step is to purchase a plant that is already started.
  2. Choose a location for growing euonymus fortunei radicans that has full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  3. Prepare the planting area by tilling the soil to a depth of about 6 inches.
  4. Place the euonymus fortunei radicans plant in the planting hole and backfill with soil.
  5. Firm the soil around the plant.
  6. Water the plant well.
  7. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to help with moisture retention.
  8. Fertilize the plant in early spring and again in mid-summer.
  9. Prune the plant as needed to keep it shaped the way you want.
  10. Enjoy the beauty of your euonymus fortunei radicans plant!

Related plant:
Euonymus Japonicus Green Spire

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, euonymus fortunei radicans prefers well-drained soil, but it is tolerant of some wetness and will even grow in boggy conditions, as long as the soil is not too heavy. It also does best in slightly acidic to neutral soil, but it is tolerant of basic (alkaline) soils as well.

Light requirement

So, like the other euonymus fortunei varieties, the radicans species requires full sun to partial shade to maintain its compact growth habit. It can tolerate some full sun, but it will likely become leggy and require more frequent pruning. When grown in partial shade, this evergreen vine will maintain a denser growth form.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for euonymus fortunei radicans is that it should be kept between 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be kept in a spot that has good drainage and is not too wet. They can be kept in a pot or in the ground. If the temperature gets too cold, they may die.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40%-50%. The plant can tolerate a wide range of humidity conditions, but too much or too little humidity can cause problems. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will become dry and brittle. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will become yellow and limp.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, this family of plant is a genus of flowering plants in the staff vine family,celastraceae. The genus consists of about 130 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, small trees, and groundcovers native to temperate and subtropical regions of the northern hemisphere. The best known member is the burning bush (E. alatus), a popular ornamental in cultivation for its brilliant red autumn foliage. The name euonymus is derived from the Greek words eu (well, good, true) and onoma (name).

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your euonymus fortunei radicans healthy and looking its best. While this plant can tolerate a fair amount of pruning, it is best to prune it back in the late fall or early winter. This will give the plant time to recover from the pruning and produce new growth in the spring. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches.

About Propagating

Propagation of Euonymus fortunei radicans is best done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from healthy, non-flowering stems. Place the cuttings in a shallow dish filled with moistened potting mix and perlite. Cover the dish with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment. Place in a bright spot out of direct sunlight and allow the cuttings to root for 4-6 weeks. Once roots have formed, pot up the cuttings into individual containers filled with moistened potting mix. Transplant to the garden in spring or summer.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing. Fertilize the plant every four to six weeks during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. Water the plant deeply but infrequently to keep the root system moist but not soggy. Prune the plant back in late winter or early spring to control its size and encourage new growth.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are over watering, under watering, and not enough light. If the plant does not get enough light, it will become leggy and the leaves will drop off. If the plant is over watered, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. If the plant is under watered, the leaves will turn brown and fall off.

Growing Tips

  • If you are growing euonymus fortunei radicans from seed, start the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring.
  • Sow the seeds on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix, and press them gently into the mix.
  • Keep the soil moist but not wet, and place the seedlings in a bright location.
  • When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots.
  • Grow the seedlings in pots for their first year, and then plant them out in the garden in early spring.
  • Euonymus fortunei radicans prefers a sunny or lightly shaded location.
  • The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but it prefers a well-drained soil.
  • Water the plant regularly during the growing season, and fertilizer it monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  • In late fall, cut

Related Plants

  • Euonymus fortunei phellomanus
  • Euonymus fortunei rubriflorus
  • Euonymus fortunei variegatus
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n' Gold'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Kewensis'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Moniplectus'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Moonshadow'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Orange Flame'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Red Cascade'

Source:
Euonymus fortunei | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Euonymus fortunei var radicans - University of Florida
Euonymus fortunei var. radicans (Siebold ex Miq.) Rehder

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