Spindle 'Emerald Gaiety' Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' (v)

Water

Wintercreeper should be watered deeply, but infrequently, to encourage the roots to grow deeper into the soil. During the first growing season, aim to water the plant once a week with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Once established, watering can be reduced to every two to three weeks, depending on the climate and soil conditions. During hot, dry spells, additional water may be necessary. Always check the soil moisture level a few inches below the surface before watering to avoid overwatering.

Light

Wintercreeper thrives in a variety of light conditions but does best in partial to full sun. While it can tolerate full shade, the variegation of 'Emerald Gaiety' may not be as pronounced. The ideal spot would provide the plant with morning sunlight and afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat of the day.

Temperature

Wintercreeper is hardy and can tolerate a broad range of temperatures, from as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. The ideal temperature for promoting growth and maintaining health is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is quite adaptable and can survive occasional temperature extremes beyond these ranges.

Pruning

Wintercreeper should be pruned to maintain its shape and size as well as to encourage healthy, dense growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually or as needed, depending on the growth rate and desired appearance. When pruning, always use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Wintercreeper thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix containing loam, peat, and sand or perlite is ideal, ensuring nutrients and proper aeration. Regular garden soil amended with organic matter works well too.

Repotting

Wintercreeper doesn't require frequent repotting and can often be repotted every 2 to 3 years as it is a slow grower. Check the roots annually, and repot in spring if they are crowded.

Humidity & Misting

Wintercreeper is versatile and tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers average to high humidity, avoiding extremely dry conditions which can damage the foliage.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial to full sun and mulch to retain moisture.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

'Emerald Gaiety' wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety') begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in early spring, often after a period of stratification which is a cold treatment to mimic winter conditions. After seedlings emerge, they grow into juvenile plants with a trailing habit, which then gradually develop into mature, evergreen shrubs with a dense, bushy form. The plant produces small, inconspicuous, greenish-white flowers typically in early summer, though flowering is often sparse and can sometimes go unnoticed. Following flowering, if pollination occurs, the plant will produce pink to red, capsule-like fruits that contain seeds, though 'Emerald Gaiety' is not predominantly propagated by seed. The shrub can also reproduce vegetatively through stem cuttings or layering, where stems touching the ground develop roots and give rise to new plants. Under favorable conditions, 'Emerald Gaiety' can live for many years, forming extensive ground cover or climbing structures with the help of aerial rootlets.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety', also known as the Wintercreeper, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late summer. To propagate, one would cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 centimeters) length of semi-hardwood, which is a stem that is partly, but not fully mature and woody. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the raw end can be treated with rooting hormone to encourage root development. This prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the node where the leaves were removed is buried in the soil. The pot should be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight, and the soil should be consistently moist but not soaked to nurture the cutting until roots develop, after which it can be transplanted.