Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n' Gold'

• Pollinators: Flowers may attract small bees, though not a primary pollinator plant.
  
  
• Other Wildlife: Dense form provides shelter for beneficial insects and small birds.
  
  

Deer & Rabbit Resistance: Moderately resistant due to leathery foliage and low palatability.

Seasonality: Evergreen; provides year-round foliage interest.
Flowering Season: Late spring to early summer (May–June)

Foundation Plantings – Bright, year-round color at the base of buildings and structures

Borders & Edging – Ideal along walkways or beds for a neat, colorful edge

Groundcover – Forms a dense mat in mass plantings; great for erosion control

Container Gardening – Compact size and vivid variegation make it perfect for pots

Winter Interest – Holds golden-edged foliage throughout winter; may develop pinkish tints in cold weather

Slopes & Rock Gardens – Spreads well on gentle grades and in well-draining rocky soils

• Color: Bright green centers with golden-yellow margins.

• Seasonal Change: Foliage may develop pink or red tinges in colder weather, especially in winter.

• Texture: Leathery, oval leaves with a glossy finish.

Leaf Retention: Retains leaves all year in most climates.

Small, greenish-white flowers are sparse and not showy; typically unnoticed.

• Best Time to Plant: Spring or fall.
  
  
• Soil Requirements: Well-draining soil; tolerates a wide range including clay, loam, and sandy soils.
  
  
• pH Preference: Slightly acidic to neutral.
  
  

Spacing: 18–24 inches apart for groundcover; 2–3 ft for hedge-style planting.

• When to Prune: Late winter to early spring, or light shaping as needed throughout the year.
  
  
• How to Prune: Trim to maintain size and encourage fullness. It tolerates shearing for formal shapes.
  
  

Maintenance Level: Low. Regular pruning will help maintain a neat, compact shape if desired.

• New Plants: Water deeply once or twice a week until established.
  
  
• Established Plants: Drought-tolerant; water during extended dry periods.
  
  

Tip: Avoid overwatering; allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

• Full Sun to Partial Shade.
  
  
• More sun results in brighter foliage color, but it also performs well in partial shade.
  
  
• In hot southern zones, some afternoon shade can help prevent leaf scorch.
  
  

Can be lightly pruned and harvested for decorative wreaths or holiday greenery. Holds color well in fresh-cut displays

• When: Early spring before new growth begins.
  
  
• How: Apply a balanced, slow-release shrub fertilizer or compost around the base.
  
  

Additional Tip: Mulching in spring helps conserve moisture and enrich soil.

• Tolerances: Tolerates urban pollution, road salt, dry soil, and slopes.
  
  
• Pests/Disease: Watch for scale or powdery mildew in humid or poorly ventilated locations.
  
  
• Landscape Uses: Groundcover, edging, slope stabilization, containers, foundation plantings, mass plantings, low hedges.
  
  

Container Friendly: Yes – excellent in pots or raised planters.

• Pollinated by: Insects, though flowers are not a key pollinator resource.
  
  

Seed/Berry Production: Rarely produces fruit in cultivated garden settings.

Pair Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n' Gold' with plants that contrast or complement its golden foliage and mounding shape:

Contrast with dark green or burgundy foliage:

• Heuchera 'Obsidian'
  
  
• Ajuga reptans
  
  
• Berberis thunbergii (dwarf types)
  
  

Complement with fine textures or cooler tones:

Lavandula angustifolia (lavender)

Nepeta (catmint)

Festuca glauca (blue fescue)

• Add height or bloom:
  
  
• Hydrangea paniculata
  
  
• Salvia nemorosa
  
  
• Spiraea japonica