Euonymus fortunei (syn. 'Silver Gem') 'VARIEGATUS' Fortune's spindle, wintercreeper
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
0,5-1m
usual width
1-3m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
location
full to partial sun
soil type
acidic (peaty) to neutral
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
5 (down to -29°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Fortunei group of evergreen euonymus = wintercreeper is native to China. Its name honours botanist Robert Fortune who collected plants in China since the 19th century, and was also the first to have introduced tea plant to India. Fortune's spindle is the hardiest among the evergreen species tolerating winter frost down to -30°C.
Description of the plant:
Variegatus is a less common yet very handsome variety of Fortune's spindle. Its white and green variegated foliage makes it often mistaken for Silver Queen that has more rounded leaves. Variegatus, or Silver Gem, makes larger leaves that are more elongated with age and their colour is more creamy than pure white, and rather pea green than grass green. They are serrated at margins and reliably evergreen. Wintercreepers are excellent, low shrubs that can be used as a nice groundcover or a climber if given a support. Just think twice when choosing the right variety to be used in a mixed border - their leaf colours are quite vibrant and could collide with other plants.
Grow it in full sun or part shade, in medium fertile, slightly moist but well-drained soil. Fortune's spindle can be pruned in the spring or clipped from spring until midsummer. Fully hardy to about -30°C (USDA zone 5), possibly a little more.
Last update 02-05-2019.
