Spindle 'Coloratus' Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus'

Water

The Wintercreeper needs consistent moisture but does not like to be waterlogged. It should be watered deeply and thoroughly to promote deep root growth, with about 1 gallon per plant every week during its growing season if there is no significant rainfall. In hotter temperatures or during dry spells, increase watering frequency to twice per week. During winter or in cooler temperatures, reduce the amount to a gallon every two weeks. Always check the top inch of the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water.

Light

Wintercreeper thrives in a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to full shade. In full sun, the leaves will often have the best coloration. However, in extremely hot climates, partial shade will prevent scorching of the leaves. A spot that receives morning sunlight with afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day, is ideal for this versatile plant.

Temperature

Wintercreeper is a hardy plant and can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers to grow in conditions between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit, although such cold conditions may damage the foliage. Ideal temperature conditions would keep consistently within the preferred range, avoiding the extremes.

Pruning

Prune the Wintercreeper to maintain its shape and to remove any dead or damaged growth. This can be done at any time, although the best time for major pruning is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually, but the plant can also tolerate more frequent trimming if necessary to keep it within bounds or to maintain a particular shape.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Wintercreeper thrives best in well-drained soil with a high content of organic matter and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of loam, sand, and peat moss or compost is ideal.

Repotting

Wintercreeper does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3 to 4 years or when it is seen to outgrow its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Wintercreeper tolerates a wide range of humidity levels, but it performs best in moderate humidity environments without the need for any special humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, moderate light, don't overwater.

• Outdoor

  Plant in part shade to full sun, well-draining soil, mulch base.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus') starts its life cycle when its seeds germinate in spring, after which young seedlings establish themselves and begin to grow. The juvenile stage of this plant is characterized by rapid growth and the development of its climbing or creeping woody vines that can adhere to surfaces like walls and rocks. As it matures, the Wintercreeper develops dense leafy foliage that is green during the growing season and turns to a purple-red hue in the cold months, offering year-round interest. This evergreen perennial continues to spread and can become ground cover or climb structures over several years through vegetative reproduction via rooting at the nodes. Flowering is typically inconspicuous and occurs in the summer, producing small greenish flowers that give way to pinkish-red fruit capsules containing seeds. The seeds are then dispersed by animals or gravity, and the cycle begins anew, with the plant having a long lifespan if conditions are favorable.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus', also known as Purple Wintercreeper, is through stem cuttings. The best time to take stem cuttings is during the late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. Cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) piece of stem from a healthy section of the plant, ensuring the cutting has at least two sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to expose the nodes, where roots will develop. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone to enhance root production and plant the cutting into a mix of moistened potting soil and perlite, making sure to bury the exposed nodes. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the cutting in a location with bright, indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.