How to Grow Euonymus Fortunei Silver Queen - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Euonymus fortunei silver queen is a plant that is known for its beautiful silver leaves. This plant is native to China and Japan, but it can be found in other parts of the world as well. Silver queen is a versatile plant that can be used as a ground cover, in containers, or as a specimen plant. This plant is relatively low-maintenance, but it does require some effort to keep it looking its best.

How to Grow Euonymus Fortunei Silver Queen - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • euonymus fortunei 'silver queen'
  • euonymus japonicus 'silver queen'
  • euonymus alatus 'silver queen'
  • euonymus kiautschovicus 'silver queen'
  • euonymus hamiltonianus 'silver queen'

Good to Know

  • Euonymus fortunei 'Silver Queen' is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that can reach up to 6 feet in height.
  • It has glossy, dark green leaves with silver-white margins.
  • The shrub produces small, greenish-white flowers in the spring.
  • Silver Queen is tolerant of a wide range of soils and can even tolerate drought conditions.
  • It is a relatively low-maintenance plant and does not require much pruning.
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Silver Queen' is an ideal plant for hedges, foundation plantings, and mass plantings.
  • It is also deer resistant.
  • The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 4-
  • 'Silver Queen' can be propagated by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer or early fall.
  • It can also be propagated by seed, although this takes longer and is not as reliable.

Related plant:
Euonymus Japonicus Aureus

Planting Process

  1. For euonymus fortunei silver queen, first step is to take stem cutting of the plant in early summer.
  2. After taking stem cutting, dip it in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with moistened perlite.
  3. Water the plant regularly and keep the pot in a warm place.
  4. In few weeks, the cutting will develop roots and new leaves.
  5. After that, transplant it to a bigger pot.
  6. Keep the plant in partial shade and water it regularly.
  7. Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
  8. Silver queen euonymus can be propagated through seed as well. Sow the seeds in spring in a well-drained soil.
  9. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm place.
  10. The seed will germinate in a few weeks. Transplant the seedlings to individual pots when they are big enough to handle.

Related plant:
Euonymus Bravo

Soil Condition

About soil condition, well-drained soil is required and it must be moist but not water-logged. It is best to grow in full sun but it will tolerate partial shade. It is a slow growing plant so it does not need much fertilizer.

Light condition

So, like the other plants in your garden, euonymus fortunei silver queen need sun to grow and stay healthy. The amount of sun required depends on the variety of plant, but most need at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in an area with hot summers, it's best to plant silver queen in a spot that gets some afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the Silver Queen is one that is moderate. They can withstand cold winters and hot summers as long as they are not exposed to extreme temperatures for long periods of time. They prefer a location that has full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 50%. However, the plant can tolerate lower humidity levels as long as the air is not too dry. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, this family of plant and root system is very important. The Spindle (Euonymus fortunei) is a deciduous shrub that is native to China. The Silver Queen Spindle (Euonymus fortunei Silver Queen) is a cultivar of the Spindle that was developed in the United Kingdom. The Silver Queen Spindle is a small to medium-sized shrub that typically grows to 6-8 feet tall and wide. The leaves are ovate to elliptical in shape and are dark green with silver variegation. The flowers are small and greenish-white in color. The fruit is a small, reddish-orange capsule that contains seeds. The Spindle is a relatively low-maintenance plant and does not require a lot of fertilizer. However, the Silver Queen Spindle may benefit from occasional fertilization to help promote growth and maintain the silver variegation of the leaves. The Spindle has a shallow root system and does not tolerate drought well. The Silver Queen Spindle is best suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.

Light requirement

Pruning euonymus fortunei 'Silver Queen' is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. thin out the plant if it is too dense, and cut back any leggy growth. This plant can be pruned quite heavily without damage, so don't be afraid to give it a good shaping.

The Propagation

Propagation of the Euonymus fortunei 'Silver Queen' is accomplished through seed or stem cuttings. Softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late spring or early summer will root readily. Take cuttings from the current season's growth that are 6 to 8 inches long and cut just below a leaf node. Dip the cut end of the stems in rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained growing medium. Keep the cuttings moist and in bright indirect light until they are rooted. Once rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate during the day. However, during the night, the growth rate is stunted. Thus, if you were to take a plant that was growing during the day and put it in a dark room, the plant would stop growing. However, if you were to put the plant back in a well-lit room, the plant would resume its growth.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are over watering, under watering, and aphids. Over watering can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off, while under watering can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off. Aphids are small, green insects that suck the sap out of plants, and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.

Basics of Growing

  • Do not forget to water your plant regularly. Euonymus fortunei silver queen plants need to be kept moist in order to thrive.
  • Place your plant in an area where it will receive bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Be sure to fertilize your plant on a regular basis.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. If you see any signs of problems, treat them immediately.
  • When repotting your plant, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix.
  • Place a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot to help with drainage.
  • If you live in an area with a lot of humidity, you may need to provide additional ventilation for your plant.
  • You can propagate your plant by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in moist potting mix.
  • Over time,

Similar Plants

  • Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin' (Pepper euonymus)
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Sunspot'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Silver queen'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald'n'Gold'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Moonshadow'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Kewensis'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Variegatus'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Blondy'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald n' Gold'
  • Euonymus fortunei 'John Creech'

Source:
Euonymus, Winter Creeper (Euonymus fortunei)-Hort Answers
Euonymus fortunei - Species Page - NYFA: New York Flora Atlas
Wintercreeper Euonymus (Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus')

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