Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald n Gold'

Emerald 'n Gold Wintercreeper

Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ’n’ Gold’ — commonly called Wintercreeper — is a compact, evergreen shrub valued for its bright variegated foliage and year-round color. It forms a dense, mounding plant with glossy green leaves edged in golden-yellow, creating strong contrast throughout the growing season. In cooler weather, the foliage often takes on pink to reddish tones, adding additional seasonal interest.

Mature Size:
Width: 3–4 ft
Height: 18–24 in

USDA Zones: 5a–9b
Light: Full sun to partial shade (best color in sun)
Soil: Average, well-drained soils; highly adaptable
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Provides cover for small wildlife; generally not favored by deer

Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Low, mounding, dense evergreen shrub
Bright green and gold variegated foliage provides year-round interest
Foliage may develop pink to reddish tones in cooler weather
Excellent for groundcover, edging, containers, and foundation plantings
Adaptable to sun or shade and tolerant of urban conditions

Maintenance:
Prune as needed to maintain shape or size
Can be sheared for a formal appearance
Remove any solid green shoots to maintain variegation

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

18-24''

Width

3-4'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Shade, Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Fern, Sunglow

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Normal, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Low Mounding, Wide Spreading

Bark

Corky

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No