Species

Euonymus fortuneiWintercreeper

8 other cultivars

shrub

Emerald 'n' Gold Wintercreeper

Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n' Gold'

The Story

Plant Bio

Euonymus fortunei, commonly known as wintercreeper, is a dense, sprawling evergreen shrub native to East Asia that climbs via adventitious roots or spreads as a ground-hugging mat. The species is highly adaptable to various soil types but requires excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

'Emerald 'n' Gold' is distinguished by its lustrous dark green leaves edged in bright golden yellow, which develop a pinkish-red to purplish flush during cold winter weather. This cultivar grows as a low, mounding shrubby mat and rarely produces the inconspicuous, greenish-white summer flowers typical of the species.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright golden-variegated foliage that develops a pinkish-red or purplish flush in cold weather, providing year-round visual interest.

Functions as an effective, dense groundcover or low hedge that tolerates urban conditions and moderate salt exposure.

Provides minor structural shelter for birds, though it offers minimal value to specialized native pollinators.

SpeciesEuonymus fortuneiWintercreeper

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

24"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Low severity toxicity if ingested; sap may irritate skin

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, where the gold variegation will develop best.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil, then maintain moderate moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once in spring and prune annually to maintain a dense, compact habit.

Pro Tip

Prune out any solid green reversion shoots completely at their point of origin to prevent them from overtaking the variegated foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune out solid green reversion shoots completely at their point of origin.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Grow in partial sun or shade to maintain the brightest gold variegation.

Don't

Do not plant in low-lying, poorly drained clay depressions where water stagnates.
Do not cut hard into old, leafless bare wood, as it fails to reshoot.
Do not over-fertilize, which leads to weak, sappy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverHedgeErosion ControlFoundation PlantingMass Planting

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Emerald 'n' Gold Wintercreeper questions

What zones can Emerald 'n' Gold Wintercreeper grow in?

Emerald 'n' Gold Wintercreeper is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Emerald 'n' Gold Wintercreeper deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Emerald 'n' Gold Wintercreeper, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Emerald 'n' Gold Wintercreeper bloom?

Emerald 'n' Gold Wintercreeper typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Emerald 'n' Gold Wintercreeper need full sun?

Emerald 'n' Gold Wintercreeper does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Emerald 'n' Gold Wintercreeper drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Emerald 'n' Gold Wintercreeper handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.