How to Grow Variegated Euonymus - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

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.

How to Grow Variegated Euonymus - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • American wahoo
  • Burning bush
  • Butterfly bush
  • Climbing euonymus
  • Spindle tree

Common Knowledge

  • Variegated euonymus is a type of evergreen shrub that is native to Asia.
  • It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
  • The leaves of variegated euonymus are usually green with white or yellow markings.
  • The flowers are small and not very showy.
  • The fruit is a small, orange-red berry.
  • Variegated euonymus can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or division.
  • It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  • Variegated euonymus is generally pest and disease free.
  • It can be susceptible to leaf scorch in very dry conditions.
  • Variegated euonymus can be pruned to shape as desired.

Related plant:
Variegated Dogwood Tree

Growing Steps

  1. For variegated euonymus, first step is to find a location that has well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
  2. Next, prepare the planting bed by loosening the soil and removing any weeds or debris.
  3. If you are planting more than one euonymus, space them about 2 to 3 feet apart.
  4. Once you have found the perfect spot, dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of your plant.
  5. Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole.
  6. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
  7. Water the area well.
  8. Place a layer of mulch around the base of the plant, but be sure to keep it away from the stem.
  9. Fertilize your plant once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  10. With proper care, your variegated euonymus should thrive and provide you with beautiful foliage for many years to come!

Related plant:
Variegated Hydrangea

Soil Requirement

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.

About light

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

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.

Humidity Requirement

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.

The Fertilizer

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.

Light requirement

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.

Plant Propagation

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.

Growth Speed

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.

The Problems

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.

Tips on Growing

  • If you're growing variegated euonymus indoors, choose a spot that gets bright, indirect light.
  • Keep your plant in a spot with consistent temperatures - too much fluctuation can cause leaf drop.
  • Water your euonymus when the soil is dry to the touch, but be careful not to overwater.
  • Feed your plant every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
  • To encourage bushy growth, pinch back the tips of new growth.
  • These plants are prone to spider mites - keep an eye out for webs and small, moving dots on the undersides of leaves.
  • To prevent leaf scorch, make sure the plant has adequate humidity - mist it occasionally or set it on a pebble tray.
  • If you see yellowing leaves, this is likely due to too much direct sun - move the plant to a shadier spot.

Related Plants

  • euonymus carana
  • euonymus cordata
  • euonymus oxyphylla
  • euonymus silenus
  • euonymus spinulosus
  • euonymus thomsonii
  • euonymus trachypus
  • euonymus umbrosus
  • euonymus uva-ursi
  • euonymus versicolor

Source:
Variegated Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus 'Aureus')
Euonymus | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Euonymus japonicus 'Dr.

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category