Overview
Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin' is a bushy, upright, spreading evergreen groundcover in the genus Euonymus, part of the Celastraceae family, with evergreen, deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 4.5 m tall. Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin' grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover, wall cover and container planting. It is native to China, Korea and Japan.
About
Euonymus fortunei, the spindle, Fortune's spindle, winter creeper or wintercreeper, is a species of flowering plant in the family Celastraceae, native to east Asia, including China, Korea, the Philippines and Japan. E.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euonymus fortunei
About the genus
Euonymus is a genus of flowering plants in the staff vine family Celastraceae. Common names vary widely among different species and between different English-speaking countries, but include spindle, burning-bush, strawberry-bush, wahoo, wintercreeper, or simply euonymus. It has about 140 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, small trees and lianas.
Wikipedia contributors, "Euonymus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euonymus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Euonymus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North, East, South, West
- Exposure
- Full sun, Partial shade, Full shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Evergreen groundcover, Climbing shrub
- Habit
- Bushy, Upright, Spreading
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Deciduous
- Height
- 4.5 m
- Suggested uses
- Groundcover, Wall cover, Container planting
- Native to
- China, Korea, Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; can be grown in full sun to full shade; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Prune to shape and control growth in spring or summer; can be cut back hard to rejuvenate
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, layering
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil, Horse chestnut scale, Euonymus scale, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Leaf spot, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin'?
Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; can be grown in full sun to full shade; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin'?
Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin' prefers full sun and full shade. It suits full sun, partial shade and full shade positions.
What soil does Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin' need?
Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin'?
Prune to shape and control growth in spring or summer; can be cut back hard to rejuvenate.
How big does Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin' grow?
Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin' reaches a height of 4.5 m.
Is Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin' hardy in the UK?
Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin'?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, layering.