Variegated euonymus is a popular ornamental plant that is grown for its distinctive leaves. The leaves are variegated with green, yellow, and white and have a glossy surface. The plant is native to East Asia and is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Related plant:
Variegated Dogwood Tree
Related plant:
Variegated Hydrangea
About soil condition, the variegated euonymus does best in rich, loamy soil that is well-drained but also holds moisture well. It is not overly particular about pH and will do well in soil that is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. This shrub will also grow in sand or clay as long as the drainage is good.
Not too different with other plants, the variegated euonymus needs sunlight to grow. However, this plant is able to tolerate shady areas better than most. If you are looking for a plant to add to a shady area in your garden, the variegated euonymus is a good option.
The temperature condition that is best for variegated euonymus is cool to moderate. They can tolerate some sun but prefer partial shade. They will do best in moist, well-drained soils but are tolerant of dryer conditions.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is achieved when the leaves are kept moist, but not soggy. mist the leaves often, but make sure the plant has good drainage to avoid root rot. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry, and fertilize every other week during the growing season.
Discussing fertilizer, usually the plant food is applied to the leaves and then it travels down to the roots. However, with the variegated euonymus, it is best to apply the fertilizer directly to the roots. This is because the variegated euonymus has a difficult time transporting food from the leaves to the roots. By applying the fertilizer directly to the roots, you are ensuring that the plant gets the nutrients it needs.
Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. You can cut back the plant by up to one-third of its height. Cut back each branch by one-third to one-half its length. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth from the base.
Propagation of variegated euonymus is best accomplished through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long and taken from new growth. Cuttings should be placed in a moist soil mix and kept in a warm, protected location until rooted. Once rooted, the plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Usually, the plant growth rate pretty quickly, especially when they are young plants. In general, you can expect a variegated euonymus to grow about 6 inches a year. However, there are some factors that can affect a plant's growth rate. For example, if a plant is grown in a pot, it will likely grow slower than a plant that is grown in the ground.
Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot and stem canker. These problems are caused by different fungi, but they can both be controlled with fungicide. Leaf spot usually starts as small, dark spots on the leaves, which can eventually grow and spread to cover the entire leaf. Stem canker usually starts as a small, dark sore on the stem, which can eventually girdle the stem and kill the plant. Both of these problems can be prevented by planting variegated euonymus in well-drained soil and making sure they have adequate air circulation.
Source:
Variegated Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus 'Aureus')
Euonymus | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Euonymus japonicus 'Dr.