Wintercreeper Euonymus fortunei Dan's Delight = 'Dandel' (PBR) (v)

Water

The Wintercreeper should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. In moderate climates, this may be once a week, but during hotter periods, it could require watering two to three times a week. It is best to provide enough water to reach the root depth each time, which might be around 1 to 2 gallons for an established plant, depending on its size. Frequency should decrease during the fall and winter when the plant's water needs lessen. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to ensure good drainage and prevent water from standing around the plant's base.

Light

The Wintercreeper thrives in partial to full shade light conditions, making it a versatile choice for various garden locations. However, the ideal spot for this plant would provide morning sun followed by afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in prolonged full sun, which can scorch its leaves, or deep full shade where its growth may be stunted.

Temperature

Wintercreeper is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it grows best when the temperature is between 60°F and 80°F. It can survive in temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 90°F, but extreme temperatures may damage the plant or slow its growth. Slight temperature changes within this range will not harm the plant, making it suitable for various climates.

Pruning

Pruning the Wintercreeper is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Periodically trim throughout the growing season to keep the plant tidy, focusing on removing any dead or damaged branches. Extensive pruning should be avoided during the summer and fall as it can leave the plant vulnerable to damage in the winter.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Wintercreeper prefers well-drained soil with a mix of loam, sand, and organic matter. The best soil mix for Euonymus fortunei 'Dan's Delight' consists of two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part compost or peat moss to maintain aeration and moisture retention. The ideal pH for this plant ranges from 6.0 to 7.5, ensuring a slightly acidic to neutral soil environment for optimal growth.

Repotting

Wintercreeper doesn't require frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2-3 years. However, younger or faster-growing plants may need repotting once a year to ensure they have enough space to grow. Check the root system in spring and repot if the roots are starting to circle the pot or come out of the drainage holes.

Humidity & Misting

Wintercreeper is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and can thrive in the average humidity found in most homes or gardens. There is no specific humidity requirement for this plant as long as soil moisture levels are appropriately maintained with regular watering.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light; water when topsoil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun or partial shade; well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Wintercreeper, 'Dan's Delight' (Euonymus fortunei 'Dandel') starts its life cycle as a seed or more commonly from cuttings since patented cultivars are often vegetatively propagated. Upon planting, it enters a growth phase where it develops a root system and foliage, becoming a young plant. As it matures, it becomes an evergreen groundcover or climbing vine, depending on its support, with dense leaves that can variegate in color. Wintercreeper blooms with small, inconspicuous flowers in the summer followed by fruit set if pollination occurs, although decorative appeal is mainly in its foliage. It reaches maturity in a few years, where it maintains its size and shape with periodic growth of leaves and stems. This plant's life cycle continues with new vegetative growth each year, and without significant frost damage or disease, it can live for several years, continuing to produce new foliage and potentially seeds or cuttings for propagation.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Early Summer

• For the Wintercreeper 'Dan's Delight', also known by its botanical name Euonymus fortunei 'Dandel', the most popular method of propagation is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique is best performed during the summer months, when the plant's growth is vigorous yet the current year's stems have begun to mature and harden slightly. The process involves selecting healthy, disease-free stems and making cuttings approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length, cutting just below a leaf node. Leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed to prevent excess moisture loss and the base of the cutting is often dipped in a rooting hormone to promote root development. The prepared cuttings are then inserted into a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until roots have formed, which typically takes several weeks.