Wintercreeper shrub is a plant that is native to North America. It is a evergreen shrub that can grow to be about 3-4 feet tall. The leaves of the wintercreeper shrub are dark green in color and are oval shaped. The flowers of the wintercreeper shrub are small and yellow in color. The fruit of the wintercreeper shrub is a small, black berry.
Alternative name
- euonymus fortunei
- wintercreeper euonymus
- boxleaf euonymus
- common wintercreeper
- Asian wintercreeper
Basic info
- Wintercreeper shrubs are versatile plants that can be used in a variety of landscapes.
- Wintercreeper shrubs are easy to care for and require little maintenance.
- Wintercreeper shrubs are drought tolerant and can tolerate a variety of soil types.
- Wintercreeper shrubs are evergreen and will provide year-round interest in the landscape.
- Wintercreeper shrubs are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors.
- Wintercreeper shrubs can be used as foundation plants, hedges, or specimen plants.
- Wintercreeper shrubs are deer resistant and are not often damaged by deer.
- Wintercreeper shrubs are tolerant of salt and air pollution and can be used in urban landscapes.
- Wintercreeper shrubs are fast-growing and can quickly fill in an area in the landscape.
- Wintercreeper shrubs are easy to propagate and can be propagated from stem cuttings.
Planting Process
- For wintercreeper shrub, first step is to find a location that has well-drained soil and receives full sun to partial shade.
- Once you have found the perfect location, the next step is to prepare the soil by loosening it with a shovel and adding organic matter such as compost.
- After the soil is prepared, it is time to plant your wintercreeper shrub. When planting, be sure to space the shrubs approximately 3 to 4 feet apart.
- After planting, water the shrubs deeply and regularly, especially during the first growing season.
- Fertilize the wintercreeper shrubs once per year in the spring using a balanced fertilizer.
- To keep the shrubs healthy and vigorous, prune them annually in the late winter or early spring.
- To propagate wintercreeper shrubs, take softwood cuttings from the tips of the stems in the late spring or early summer.
- Another method of propagation is to divide the rootball of an established shrub in the early spring.
- To control the spread of wintercreeper shrubs, plant them in an area where they have room to grow and where they will not escape into natural areas.
- Wintercreeper shrubs are generally pest and disease free, but they can occasionally be susceptible to scales, aphids, and leaf spot.
Considering the Soil
About soil condition, wintercreeper shrub grows best in moist, well-drained soils, but it is also tolerant of drier, clay soils. This shrub can also tolerate some shade, but it will produce the most flowers and fruits in full sun.
About light
Similar to other evergreen shrubs, wintercreeper needs full sun to partial shade to maintain its color and grow properly. It thrives in well-drained soil but can adapt to other types of soil as well. This shrub can be an excellent groundcover because it has a tendency to creep along the ground and can reach up to 6 feet in length.
Good Temperature
The temperature condition is the most important factor in determining whether a wintercreeper shrub will thrive. If the temperature is too cold, the shrub will not survive. If the temperature is too hot, the shrub will not thrive. The ideal temperature condition for a wintercreeper shrub is between 30 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideal Humidity
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. However, it will grow in a range of 50-80%. If the air is too dry, the leaves will become brown and crispy. If the air is too humid, the leaves will become yellow and limp.
The Fertilizer
For the fertilizer, this family of plant does best with a high phosphorus fertilizer. The roots of the wintercreeper shrub are easily damaged, so it is important to be careful when planting or transplanting.
About light
Pruning your wintercreeper shrub is an important part of its care. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and maintain the plants shape. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. You can prune your wintercreeper shrub in early spring or late fall.
About Propagating
Propagation is best done in late summer or early fall by taking stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is semi-hardwood (not too soft or too woody). Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should have at least 2-3 sets of leaves. Strip the leaves off of the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and keep them moist. They should root within 4-6 weeks.
Growth Rate
Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be fast, with some plant species able to grow up to 24 inches in a single season. The plants typically have a short growing season though, so the window of opportunity for new growth is relatively small. Wintercreeper shrubs are generally hardy and require little maintenance, which makes them a popular choice for many gardeners.
Common Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, mites, and aphids. To control these pests, you can use horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. You should also check the shrub regularly for any signs of these pests and take action immediately if any are found.
Basics of Growing
- Remember to plant your wintercreeper shrub in an area that receives full sun.
- wintercreeper shrubs can tolerate a range of soil conditions, but they prefer well-drained soil that is high in organic matter.
- When planting your wintercreeper shrub, be sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
- After planting, water your shrub deeply to encourage deep rooting.
- Fertilize your wintercreeper shrub once a year with a slow-release fertilizer.
- To promote dense growth, prune your wintercreeper shrub in late winter or early spring.
- To keep your wintercreeper shrub looking its best, remove any dead or damaged branches as they occur.
- If you live in an area where deer are a problem, you may need to take steps to
Substitution
- Fordham SpireWintercreeper Euonymus
- Spreading Wintercreeper Euonymus
- Golden Wintercreeper Euonymus
- Wintercreeper Evergreen Euonymus
- Wintercreeper Vine Euonymus fortunei
- Wintercreeper Groundcover Euonymus fortunei
- Wintercreeper Euonymus
- Euonymus Wintercreeper
- Wintercreeper Euonymus Shrub
- Euonymus Fortunei Wintercreeper
Source:
Wintercreeper Euonymus (Eunymus fortunei) - Virginia Tech
Controlling Wintercreeper - Sustain IU
Winterberry | UMN Extension
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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