It has a natural distribution in India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mianmar and Pakistan up to 4000 m above sea level. It is an evergreen shrub with aerial roots and grows up to 10 m in height. Leaves are leathery, ovate or elliptic, pointed at the tip, wedge-shaped at the base, finely serrate, glabrous. Capsule fruit reddish brown, 5-6 mm in diameter, globose and wartless, arillus red. Flowering time is April-July and seed ripening time is September-December. It is used in landscaping areas, at the level of trees, in park gardens and as a border plant. It is preferred because it covers the soil surface and prevents grazing.
Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ is a popular evergreen shrub known for its variegated green and gold leaves. Caring for this plant involves a few key considerations:
- Location:
- Plant Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ in well-draining soil. They prefer slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.
- Choose a location with partial to full sun. These plants can tolerate some shade, but they may lose some of their vibrant color in low light conditions.
- Watering:
- Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods. However, ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
- Once established, ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ is relatively drought-tolerant, but it still benefits from consistent moisture.
- Mulching:
- Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as bark or compost, around the base of the plant. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppresses weeds.
- Pruning:
- Prune the shrub in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and control its size. You can also selectively prune to encourage bushier growth.
- Remove any dead or diseased branches as needed.
- Fertilizing:
- Fertilize in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Follow the recommended application rates on the fertilizer packaging.
- Pest and Disease Control:
- Keep an eye out for pests like scale insects or aphids. If you notice any infestations, treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ is generally resistant to most diseases, but proper care, including good air circulation, can help prevent issues.
- Winter Protection:
- In colder climates, consider applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
- Regular Monitoring:
- Regularly inspect your Euonymus for signs of stress, disease, or pest infestations. Early detection allows for timely intervention.
Always tailor care to the specific conditions of your garden and the needs of the individual plants. Observing the plant and responding to its specific requirements will contribute to its health and vibrancy.
How long does Euonymus emerald gold grow?
The growth rate of Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ can vary depending on various factors such as climate, soil conditions, and local growing conditions. In general, this evergreen shrub is known for its moderate growth rate. Here are some general guidelines:
- Height: Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ typically reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) with a spread of 3 to 5 feet (90 to 150 cm) at maturity. However, it’s important to note that the actual size can vary based on local conditions.
- Growth Rate: It is considered a moderate to fast-growing plant. Under optimal conditions, you can expect it to fill in an area and provide good ground cover within a few years.
- Pruning: Regular pruning can also influence the overall size and shape of the plant. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to control its growth and maintain a desired shape.
It’s worth noting that while ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ is a popular cultivar, different varieties of Euonymus fortunei may have different growth habits and sizes. Additionally, local climate, soil quality, and care practices can affect the growth rate of any plant. If you have specific size requirements for your landscape, you may consider selecting appropriate plants and providing the necessary care to encourage healthy growth.
Emerald’n Gold pruning
Pruning Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ is a straightforward process that helps maintain its shape, control its size, and encourage bushier growth. Here are some general guidelines for pruning this particular variety:
- Timing:
- Prune your Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This timing allows the plant to recover and produce new growth during the growing season.
- Tools:
- Use clean, sharp pruning shears or hedge clippers for pruning. This helps make clean cuts and minimizes the risk of disease transmission.
- Remove Dead or Diseased Growth:
- Start by inspecting the plant for any dead or diseased branches. Remove these using pruning shears, cutting back to healthy, live wood.
- Thin Out Excess Growth:
- Thin out the interior of the plant to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. This helps reduce the risk of diseases and encourages even growth.
- Control Size:
- If you want to control the size of the plant, trim back the outer edges. Make cuts just above a leaf node or lateral branch to encourage branching and denser growth.
- Shape the Plant:
- Shape the plant according to your preferences. ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ can be shaped into a neat, compact form or allowed to spread, depending on your landscaping goals.
- Avoid Drastic Pruning:
- While Euonymus fortunei is generally tolerant of pruning, avoid drastic pruning that removes too much foliage at once. This can stress the plant and affect its health.
- Dispose of Pruned Material:
- Properly dispose of pruned material to prevent the spread of diseases. If you’ve removed diseased branches, consider burning or disposing of them away from the garden.
Remember that pruning is a personal preference, and the specific requirements may vary based on your landscape design goals. Regular monitoring and maintenance pruning can help keep your ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ Euonymus healthy, vigorous, and aesthetically pleasing.
Euonumis