Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
12 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
All parts are poisonous if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
A versatile evergreen plant that can grow as a sprawling groundcover, a mounding shrub, or a climbing vine, with dark green, ovate leaves. Extremely adaptable to different light and soil conditions. Note: It is considered invasive in many parts of North America and its planting may be discouraged.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select well-draining soil with moderate fertility.
- Plant in full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
- Water regularly during first growing season to establish roots.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
- Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches.
- Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Plant Euonymus fortunei in a sheltered spot to protect from harsh winter winds.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant
- Mulch annually to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall to prevent winter damage
- Avoid planting in waterlogged soil
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Wintercreeper questions
What zones can Wintercreeper grow in?
Wintercreeper is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Wintercreeper deer resistant?
Yes — Wintercreeper is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Wintercreeper bloom?
Wintercreeper typically blooms in early summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Wintercreeper need full sun?
Wintercreeper does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Wintercreeper drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Wintercreeper handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Euonymus to compare
Compact Burning Bush
Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'
Gold Splash Wintercreeper
Euonymus fortunei 'Gold Splash'
Euonymus White Album
Euonymus fortunei 'White Album'
Purple Wintercreeper
Euonymus fortunei 'Purple Wintercreeper'
Emerald 'n' Gold Wintercreeper
Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald'
Euonymus Fortunei Coloratus
Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Wintercreeper with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
