Spindle 'Kewensis' Euonymus fortunei 'Kewensis'

Water

Wintercreeper should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Generally, it requires watering once a week, but this can vary depending on the climate and soil conditions. In hot, dry weather, you may need to water twice a week, providing approximately one gallon per watering for an established plant in the ground. Container-grown wintercreeper may require water more frequently, especially if the pot is small or in full sun. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant.

Light

Wintercreeper thrives in a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is one where the plant receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Too much intense sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can result in sparse or leggy growth.

Temperature

Wintercreeper is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, from about -20 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers moderate temperatures and performs best in the range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect the plant from extreme cold by ensuring it is planted in a sheltered location if temperatures regularly fall to the lower end of its tolerance range.

Pruning

Wintercreeper can be pruned to control its size and shape and to encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune as often as needed to maintain the desired form or to remove any dead or damaged branches. It can tolerate heavy pruning if required.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Wintercreeper prefers well-draining soil high in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of peat, pine bark, and perlite or sand is ideal for ensuring good drainage and aeration while retaining adequate moisture for the roots.

Repotting

Wintercreeper should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it becomes root-bound and the growth starts to slow down. It is best to repot in the spring, just before the growing season begins.

Humidity & Misting

Wintercreeper thrives in average household humidity levels, but it can also cope with lower humidity. To keep this plant happy, aim for humidity levels around 40-50%, although it is quite adaptable to varying conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Wintercreeper in bright indirect light, water moderately.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, partial to full sun, sheltered spot.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Wintercreeper 'Kewensis' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in the spring, given sufficient warmth and moisture in the soil. As the seedling emerges, it develops into a juvenile plant with characteristic small, dark green leaves. As it matures, it enters a vegetative stage, forming a ground cover or climbing vines with rooting at the nodes if it encounters a vertical surface. Throughout its adult phase, which it reaches in 2 to 5 years, it develops small, inconspicuous flowers in early summer, which are usually greenish-white. These flowers, if pollinated, give way to a fruiting stage with a small, pink to red capsule that splits open to release seeds. The plant continues its growth cycle annually, potentially living for many years, with some reports of Wintercreepers surviving for over 50 years under optimal conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Wintercreeper, scientifically known as Euonymus fortunei 'Kewensis', is most commonly propagated through stem cuttings. This method is usually undertaken during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut them into sections approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. Ensure each cutting has at least 2 or 3 sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Then, insert the cutting into a pot filled with a moistened mix of half peat and half perlite or sand, ensuring that the leafless part of the stem is buried. Finally, place the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight and keep the soil consistently moist until roots develop, which can take several weeks.