Wintercreeper Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Surprise' (v)

Water

Wintercreeper should be watered thoroughly, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Typically, you should water an established plant once a week, but during periods of intense heat or drought, increase the frequency to twice a week. Provide about 1 gallon of water per square yard of soil every time you water. It's important to water the plant less frequently during fall and winter, when the plant's water requirements decrease significantly. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings, but never completely, to maintain plant health.

Light

Wintercreeper prefers partial to full sun conditions for optimal growth. It can tolerate light shade, but its variegation becomes more pronounced with greater light exposure. Ideally, plant it in a spot where it receives at least four hours of direct sunlight daily, with some shade during the hottest part of the afternoon to prevent leaf scorch. This hardy perennial can adapt to various light conditions, but too much shade may result in less vibrant foliage and slower growth.

Temperature

Wintercreeper is resilient to a range of temperatures and can survive in conditions as low as -30°F, which makes it suitable for many climates. However, the ideal temperature range for thriving growth is between 60°F and 80°F. This plant can handle occasional temperature fluctuations without significant damage, but prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold may adversely affect its health.

Pruning

Pruning Wintercreeper is important to maintain its size, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or damaged branches. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to shape the plant or control its size. Light trimming can also be performed throughout the summer to remove any irregular growth or to keep hedges and borders looking neat.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Wintercreeper requires well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. A good soil mix for this plant would be a combination of loam, sand, and peat moss to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Additionally, incorporating organic matter like compost can enrich the soil and support healthy plant growth.

Repotting

Wintercreeper should be repotted every 2-3 years to provide fresh soil and encourage healthy growth. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one to allow space for the roots to expand.

Humidity & Misting

Wintercreeper prefers moderate humidity levels but is tolerant of a range of conditions. Aim for a humidity level around 40-50% for optimal health and to prevent stress on the plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Wintercreeper in bright, indirect light indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant Wintercreeper in partial to full sun outdoors.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Wintercreeper 'Emerald Surprise' begins its life as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil, typically in spring or summer. After germination, it develops into a juvenile plant with small, variegated green and yellow leaves, and over time the plant will form a dense, sprawling mat if grown as ground cover or will start to climb if given vertical support. During its growing season, which spans spring to summer, Wintercreeper 'Emerald Surprise' extends its woody vines and expands its leaf coverage, engaging in photosynthesis and growth. It reaches maturity within a few years, at which point it can produce small, inconspicuous flowers that are usually greenish-white, although blooming is not guaranteed or prominent in this cultivar. Following flowering and on the rare occasion that pollination occurs, it can produce fruit in the form of small, reddish capsules that may contain seeds, allowing for the potential spread of new plants. Throughout its life, which can last many years, Wintercreeper 'Emerald Surprise' remains an evergreen, providing year-round interest in the landscape.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Surprise', commonly referred to as Wintercreeper, can be propagated through several methods, but the most popular way to propagate this plant is through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings of the Wintercreeper is in the early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate from cuttings, a gardener should select healthy stems and cut a section that is about 4 to 6 inches long. It is important to make the cut just below a leaf node, as this area contains high concentrations of hormones that will encourage root growth. The bottom leaves should be removed and the cut end can be dipped into rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting. The prepared cutting should then be placed in a pot filled with a moistened mix of half peat and half perlite, ensuring the leaf node is buried. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity and placed in indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop within 4 to 6 weeks, after which the plant can be transferred to a larger container or planted directly in the garden.