How to Grow Euonymus Jean Hughes - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Euonymus jean hughes is a compact, mound-forming shrub with a rounded habit and dense, medium-green foliage. A native of North America, it is commonly found in woodlands and along streams. Growing to a height of 3-4 feet, it has small, white flowers that appear in late spring or early summer, followed by bright red fruits. The fruits are poisonous to humans, but are eaten by birds which help to spread the plant's seeds.

How to Grow Euonymus Jean Hughes - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • burning bush
  • cancer bush
  • edible euonymus
  • euonymus atropurpureus
  • euonymus americanus

Common Knowledge

  • Euonymus jean hughes is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America.
  • It grows to a height of 3-6 feet and has a spread of 2-3 feet.
  • The leaves are ovate to elliptical in shape and are dark green in color.
  • The flowers are small and greenish-white in color. They bloom in the summer.
  • The fruit is a small, orange-red capsule that contains seeds.
  • Euonymus jean hughes prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils.
  • It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and is resistant to deer.
  • Euonymus jean hughes can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.
  • It is susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew.
  • Euonymus jean hughes is an attractive shrub that can be used in borders, mass plantings, or as a hedge.

Related plant:
Euonymus Japonicus Aureus

How to Grow

  1. For euonymus jean hughes, first step is to choose the right spot. This plant grows best in partial shade to full sun.
  2. Prepare the planting hole. This plant prefers well-drained soils, so make sure to loosen the soil and add some organic matter if needed.
  3. Plant the euonymus jean hughes.
  4. Water regularly and deeply, especially during the first few growing seasons.
  5. Prune as needed to control the plant’s size and shape.
  6. Fertilize annually with a well-balanced fertilizer.
  7. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Treat as needed.
  8. Enjoy the beautiful flowers and lush foliage of your euonymus jean hughes!
  9. Divide the plant every few years to keep it looking its best.
  10. With proper care, your euonymus jean hughes will thrive for many years to come!

Related plant:
Evergreen Euonymus

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Euonymus japonicus 'Jean Hughes' prefers well-drained soil, but it is adaptable to a range of soil types as long as the soil is not waterlogged. It will tolerate a bit of shade, but it prefers full sun.

About light

Just like other green plants, euonymus japonicus requires sunlight to produce food for itself through photosynthesis. Sunlight is also necessary for the plant to produce the chlorophyll that gives its leaves their green color. However, too much sun can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant in an area that receives full sun in the morning, but is shaded from the hot afternoon sun.

The Temperature

The temperature condition is influences the euonymus japonicus's growth, development, and physiological processes. For example, photosynthesis and respiration rates are higher at higher temperatures, while transpiration rates are greater at lower temperatures. The temperature condition also affects the decomposition rate of organic matter and the release of nutrients. The optimum temperature condition for euonymus japonicus is between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40%-60%. The plant is native to East Asia and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant need low amounts of fertilizer and prefer a well drained, moist soil. They are good for hedges, screens, and topiary. They are not drought tolerant. The root system is not aggressive and they have no serious insect or disease problems.

Plant Pruning

Pruning euonymus is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It is a good idea to wait until the plant is at least 2-3 years old before pruning. To prune euonymus, start by removing any dead or broken branches. Then, cut back any branches that are crossing or rubbing together. Finally, trim back any branches that are longer than the others. When pruning, be sure to make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle. This will help the plant heal quickly and prevent disease.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done in early spring, by taking softwood cuttings. Take cuttings from new growth that is about 6-8 inches long and make sure there are several leaves on each cutting. Strip off the bottom leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-drained potting mix and water well. Keep the cutting moist and in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight. New roots should form within 4-8 weeks. Once the roots are well-established, transplant the cutting into a larger pot or into the garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate in a single season is fast, but it can be different from one strain to another. The japonicus is a little slower growing, but can still do well in containers. The E. j. alatus can grow up to 3 feet in a season.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are root rot, scale, and spider mites. Root rot is caused by too much moisture in the soil, which can be a problem if the plant is not getting enough drainage. Scale is a common insect pest that can infest euonymus jean hughes plants. Spider mites can also be a problem, but they are more likely to infest the leaves and stems than the roots.

Basics of Growing

  • If possible, choose a site that receives full sun.
  • Jean Hughes euonymus will tolerate a wide range of soils, but prefer ones that are slightly acidic and well-drained.
  • Amend the soil with organic matter prior to planting.
  • Space plants at least 2-3 feet apart to allow for adequate air circulation.
  • Water plants deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a healthy root system.
  • Fertilize plants in Spring using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune plants as needed to maintain a desired shape or size.
  • Jean Hughes euonymus are generally pest and disease free. However, scale and aphids can be a problem.
  • Plants can be propagated by seed, softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings.
  • Plants are semi-evergreen and will lose some of their leaves

Substitution

  • Juglas (Cupressus jean paulii)
  • Juncus (Juncus jean hodgsonii)
  • Juncus (Juncus jean-etienne),
  • Juncus (Juncus jean-francois),
  • Juncus (Juncus jean-francois-marie),
  • Juncus (Juncus jean-marie),
  • Juncus (Juncus jean-maurice),
  • Juncus (Juncus jeannette)
  • Kalmia (Kalmia jean-louis-marie)
  • Lomatium (Lomatium jean-baptiste-claudius)

Source:
Euonymus Scale | University of Maryland Extension - UMD
Euonymus japonicus - North Carolina State University
Euonymus scale - Integrated Pest Management

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category