Spindle 'Wolong Ghost' Euonymus fortunei 'Wolong Ghost'

Water

Wintercreeper should be watered deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions to prevent root rot. Generally, water the plant with about 1 to 1.5 gallons every week during the growing season, adjusting for rainfall, heat, and soil type. In hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency, while in cool, wet weather, reduce it. During winter, water less frequently, providing only enough to keep the soil from drying out completely, which may mean watering just once every two to three weeks.

Light

Wintercreeper thrives in a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade. The best spot for 'Wolong Ghost' would receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled shade throughout the day. Because this can help bring out the variegation in the leaves, too much shade may lead to less vibrant foliage.

Temperature

Wintercreeper is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It prefers a comfortable outdoor temperature range between 60°F and 80°F but can survive in temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 100°F. Ideal growing conditions would avoid extremes, though it can handle short periods outside of its preferred range.

Pruning

Wintercreeper should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. The best time for pruning is in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It can be pruned as often as needed to control its size and spread, but heavy pruning should be done sparingly to avoid stressing the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Wintercreeper prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5; a mix of loam, sand, and small bark chips works well.

Repotting

Wintercreeper should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container.

Humidity & Misting

Wintercreeper thrives in moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to varying indoor conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade; protect from harsh sun.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Wintercreeper 'Wolong Ghost' is a perennial plant, beginning its life cycle as a seed which germinates in spring under favorable conditions of moisture and temperature. Once the seedling emerges, it develops into a juvenile plant with characteristic long, narrow leaves featuring silver veins, this early stage focusing on establishing a robust root system and initial vegetative growth. As it matures, the plant starts to exhibit its climbing or spreading habit, often used effectively for ground cover or wall-climbing with the aid of aerial roots. In the reproductive stage, which may not occur every year and typically happens in mature plants, small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers bloom in early summer, followed by the development of pink to red fruit capsules that open to reveal orange seeds. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in winter, during which growth slows down or ceases in response to colder temperatures and shorter days. Over many years, Wintercreeper 'Wolong Ghost' can reach significant coverage, persisting and spreading in the landscape as long as conditions remain favorable.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Euonymus fortunei 'Wolong Ghost', commonly known as Wintercreeper, is through stem cuttings. This is often done in late spring through early summer, when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate, a healthy stem tip should be cut, ideally about 3 to 6 inches (approximately 7.5 to 15 centimeters) in length, just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist and warm, with high humidity if possible. Within a few weeks to a couple of months, the cutting should develop roots, at which point it can be transplanted to a more permanent location.