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Euonymus are great plants to have in your garden. They are hardy, easy to grow, and can be used for a variety of purposes. Whether you want a ground coverer, a hedge, or a specimen plant, there is an euonymus that is perfect for you.
Ground covering euonymus can protect soil from being blown away in winds, as well as euonymus in general attracting a wide variety of wildlife into gardens.
When choosing an euonymus, it is important to consider the size and growth habit of the plant. Evergreens come in a variety of sizes and colours, from low-growing ground covers to tall shrubs. Deciduous euonymus vary in size - some stay as bushy shrubs a metre or two high, while others slowly grow to several metres in height. I chose four different smaller varieties of differing colours to go underneath my red robin trees, where their colours complement the red robin as well as protecting the soil from the strong winds we get in Suffolk.
Euonymus can be grown in a variety of soil types and conditions. They prefer full sun to partial shade, but some varieties can tolerate full shade. Young growth that is pure yellow or white in colour should be sited in partial shade to protect the leaves from scorching from the sun, placing these in the shade will also make the colouring less pronounced.
To plant an euonymus, simple dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, stepping (heel first) down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the plant well.
Euonymus are relatively low-maintenance plants. Once established, they will only need to be watered during periods of drought. Fertilising is not necessary, but you can apply a balanced fertiliser in the spring if desired.
You can propagate euonymus by cuttings or layering. To take a cutting, simply cut a piece of stem that is about 6 inches long. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot of moist potting mix and place it in a bright location out of direct sunlight. Keep the potting mix moist and the cutting should root within a few weeks.
To layer an euonymus, simple bend a stem down to the ground and peg it down with a wire loop. Cover the stem with soil and keep it moist. Roots should form within a few months. Once the roots have formed, you can cut the stem from the parent plant and transplant it to its own location.
With a little care and attention, your euonymus will thrive for many years to come.
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