Euonymus is a stalwart of a plant. It does its thing quietly in the background without much fanfare and can often be looked over as a result.
Euonymus are often used in mixed plantings but can be used to great effect when planted in large groups or as hedging. With such a wide range of options in choice of leaf colour, size, and indeed habit there are some excellent options to be had.
They are low maintenance, rather slow in growth and are often used to brighten up shaded areas and areas with poor soil.
The good old ground cover options are as tough as old boots with the most popular being:
Euonymus fortunei Emerald Gaiety. Silver-green variegated foliage with a delicate pink tinge to the leaf in the winter
Euonymus fortunei Emerald ‘n’ Gold. Bold yellow and green variegated foliage with a bronze tint in the winter.
Euonymus fortunei Dart’s Blanket. A great ground cover option with leaves that turn bronze-red in the autumn
Lesser known but no reason to be as they are fabulous performers are
Euonymus fortunei Minimus. This tiny ground hugging shrub forms dense, almost mat-like coverage with slightly lighter veins.
And one for the not heard of that before file;
Euonymus fortunei Wolong Ghost. Narrow, evergreen leaves with prominent veins giving an attractive look to the leaf. It can be trained to climb the stem of a tree or used as a low, ground hugging plant that inhibits weed growth. Trim after flowering to keep in check. Prettier than a Hedera and not quite so vigorous
Euonymus fortunei Minimus Euonymus fortunei Emerald ‘n’ Gold.
