How to Grow Evergreen Euonymus - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Evergreen euonymus is a shrub that is very popular in gardens. It is known for its shiny leaves and its ability to grow in almost any type of soil.

How to Grow Evergreen Euonymus - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Burning bush
  • Spindle tree
  • Strawberry tree
  • Tree of life
  • Winter creeper

Things to Know

  • Evergreen euonymus is a shrub or small tree that is native to eastern Asia.
  • It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world.
  • The leaves of evergreen euonymus are simple, elliptical in shape and borne on short stalks.
  • The leaf margins are serrated and the leaves are dark green in colour.
  • Evergreen euonymus produces small, greenish-white flowers which are borne in clusters.
  • The fruit of evergreen euonymus is a fleshy, orange-red berry.
  • Evergreen euonymus is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
  • It is also used as a hedging plant or as a foundation planting.
  • Evergreen euonymus can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
  • This plant is generally considered to be low maintenance and easy to grow.

Related plant:
Best Evergreen Shrubs

Growing Steps

  1. For evergreen euonymus, first step is to choose the right plant. You need to make sure that the plant you choose is able to thrive in the conditions of your climate and that it is the right size for the space you have.
  2. The second step is to prepare the planting site. This includes clearing the area of debris, tilling the soil, and adding organic matter.
  3. Next, you will need to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball of your plant.
  4. Once the hole is dug, you can place your plant in the hole and fill it back in with soil.
  5. Tamp down the soil around the plant to secure it in place.
  6. Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
  7. For the first few weeks, water your plant daily to help it get established.
  8. After the first few weeks, you can reduce watering to once or twice a week.
  9. Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season.
  10. Once established, your evergreen euonymus will need little to no care.

Related plant:
Evergreen Shrub With White Flowers

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, evergreen euonymus prefers humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soils. The ideal soil is neutral to slightly acidic. If your soil is too alkaline, the leaves may turn yellow. Amending your soil with compost or other organic matter can help to improve drainage and aeration while also increasing its nutrient and water-holding capacity.

Light requirement

Just like other evergreen plants, the sun is very important to the success of evergreen euonymus. It is best to plant this shrub in an area that gets full sun, but it can also tolerate some shade. If you live in an area with hot summers, it is important to provide some protection from the afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for Evergreen Euonymus is cool to moderate. They can withstand some cold, but too much heat will damage their leaves. If you live in an area with very hot summers, you may want to provide some shade for your plant.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity drops below this, the leaves will start to turn brown and crisp. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, usually the plant does not need much. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually harm the plant. If you must fertilize, use a very diluted solution and apply it sparingly. As for the roots, they are quite resilient and can withstand a fair amount of abuse. However, if you are planning on transplanting the plant, be sure to take extra care with the roots.

About light

Pruning your evergreen euonymus is an important part of keeping your plant healthy and looking its best. When and how you prune will depend on the type of plant you have and your personal preferences. If you have a compact, mounded plant, you'll want to prune it in early spring to shape it and remove any winter damage. If you have a more sprawling plant, you can prune it in late spring or early summer to encourage new growth and keep it from getting too leggy. To prune your evergreen euonymus, start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Then, cut back any branches that are rubbing against each other or crossing over each other. Finally, shape the plant by trimming back any stray branches. When pruning, always make clean, sharp cuts just above a node (the point where a leaf attaches to the stem). Avoid leaving any stubs, as these can encourage disease. With a little care and attention, your evergreen euonymus will thrive for many years to come.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done in spring or early summer, by taking semi-ripe cuttings 10-15cm (4-6in) long from the current year's growth. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting and insert into a well-drained, moistened propagating mix. Firm gently and keep the cuttings moist but not waterlogged. Rooting should take place in 4-6 weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is quite fast, especially when young. Many can grow more than 3 feet per year. However, the growth rate will differ based on the species. For example, the Japanese euonymus can grow up to 5 feet per year while the American euonymus only grows about 2 feet per year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, whitefly and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Powdery mildew can also be a problem, especially in areas with high humidity. Powdery mildew can be controlled with a fungicide.

Tips on Growing

  • Make sure to plant your evergreen euonymus in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
  • To help your plant grow strong and healthy, make sure to fertilize it regularly.
  • When watering your plant, be sure to do so deeply and evenly.
  • Prune your evergreen euonymus regularly to help it maintain its shape and size.
  • If you live in an area with a lot of deer, make sure to protect your plant with a fence or other type of barrier.
  • If you notice any pests on your plant, be sure to treat them immediately.
  • Keep an eye on the overall health of your plant and act quickly if you notice any problems.
  • When transplanting your evergreen euonymus, be sure to do so in the spring or fall.
  • If you plan on growing your evergreen euonymus in a pot, make

Related Plants

  • Euonymus carnosus
  • Euonymus carnosus (Turkey)
  • Euonymus carnosus (Germany)
  • Euonymus crenulatus
  • Euonymus crenulatus (Japan)
  • Euonymus crenulatus (China)
  • Euonymus devoniensis
  • Euonymus echinus
  • Euonymus elegans
  • Euonymus ellipticus

Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Euonymus—UC IPM - ucanr.edu
Euonymus scale - Integrated Pest Management
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