Species

Euonymus fortuneiWintercreeper

8 other cultivars

shrub

Wintercreeper

Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety'

$19.99

The Story

Plant Bio

Euonymus fortunei, commonly known as wintercreeper, is a dense, broadleaf evergreen or semi-evergreen species native to East Asia. It functions as a mounding shrub, trailing groundcover, or climbing vine that clings to structures using adventitious rootlets.

'Emerald Gaiety' is distinguished by its rounded, glossy deep green leaves featuring irregular, creamy-white margins. In cold winter weather, these variegated margins develop distinctive pink-to-purplish hues, while new spring growth emerges with a bright, high-contrast cream coloration.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with bright, variegated foliage that turns pink-purple in winter.

Excellent for stabilizing slopes and controlling erosion on banks due to its spreading root system.

Offers dense ground cover and nesting sites for small birds, though its invasive potential must be managed.

SpeciesEuonymus fortuneiWintercreeper

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60"

Width

72"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Good tolerance

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$19.99

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to partial shade, ensuring some afternoon shade to maintain the best leaf variegation.
Prepare a well-drained planting hole in average soil, avoiding low-lying areas prone to standing water.
Set the plant at the same depth as its nursery container, backfill with native soil, and water thoroughly to settle.
Apply a thin layer of mulch to conserve moisture, and water regularly until the root system is fully established.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting this variegated cultivar in deep shade, which causes the foliage to lose its white margins and become leggy. Keep the plant trimmed low; allowing it to climb trees or walls triggers its mature phase, which produces heavy flowers and highly invasive, bird-dispersed seeds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune or shear the plant annually after the main growing season to maintain a compact, dense mounding habit.
Ensure the soil drains freely, as waterlogged conditions lead to root rot.
Monitor foliage regularly for signs of scale insects, particularly on the inner stems.

Don't

Do not cut hard into old, leafless bare wood, as it fails to sprout new growth.
Do not over-fertilize, as established plants require little to no supplemental feeding.
Do not allow the plant to climb mature trees or structures if you wish to prevent seed production and invasive spread.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverHedgeFoundation PlantingErosion ControlTrellis/Climber

Companion Plants

Paxistima canbyi Polystichum acrostichoides Heuchera americana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Wintercreeper questions

What zones can Wintercreeper grow in?

Wintercreeper is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. 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?

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

When does Wintercreeper bloom?

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 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.