Euonymus fortunei Gold Splash® (Wintercreeper)

Noted for its cheerful variegated foliage, Euonymus fortunei Gold Splash® (Wintercreeper) is a low-growing, broadleaf, evergreen shrub with a compact mounding habit. It forms a dense, bushy mat of large, glossy, round, soft green leaves adorned with broad golden-yellow edges.

Noted for its cheerful variegated foliage, Euonymus fortunei Gold Splash® (Wintercreeper) is a low-growing, broadleaf, evergreen shrub with a compact mounding habit. It forms a dense, bushy mat of large, glossy, round, soft green leaves adorned with broad golden-yellow edges. A few tiny, inconspicuous, greenish flowers are produced in early summer, which are followed by very showy yellow fruit and orange seeds. Adding four seasons of color to the landscape, this shrub is very versatile and may be used for massing or for a spot of color in the border or rock garden.

  • Grows up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) with a spread of 3-4 ft. (90-120 cm). Wintercreeper spreads both by creeping stems that root where they touch the ground and by animal or water-dispersed seeds. Euonymus fortunei has been reported to be invasive in natural areas in most of the states in the eastern half of the U.S.
  • A full sun to full shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Grow in full sun if your soil is moisture retentive. Tolerates a wide range of soils excluding boggy and wet soils.
  • Watch for Euonymus scale, anthracnose, crown gall, leaf spot, mildew, and aphids.
  • Extremely versatile, Euonymus fortunei may be used as a trailing ground cover, a low hedge, as an edging plant along paths, massed on slopes to control erosion or as a foundation plant. With support, it will climb vigorously and is ideally trained against a shady wall.
  • All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
  • Euonymus fortunei species is native to China, Japan, and Korea.
  • Find where Euonymus fortunei species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 8

Heat Zones 2
– 9

Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Euonymus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spacing 36″
– 48″
(90cm
– 120cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow