Euonymus japonicus 'Silver King'

Japanese Euonymus

Euonymus japonicus ‘Silver King’ — commonly called Japanese Euonymus — is an upright, evergreen shrub valued for its bold, variegated foliage and clean, formal appearance. It features glossy, dark green leaves edged in creamy white, creating strong contrast and year-round interest. The foliage holds its color well and brightens both sun and partial shade locations. Its dense, structured habit makes it well suited for hedging and foundation plantings.

Mature Size:
Width: 4–6 ft
Height: 6–10 ft

USDA Zones: 7a–10b
Light: Full sun to partial shade (best variegation in sun)
Soil: Average, well-drained soils; adaptable
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Provides cover for birds; generally not favored by deer

Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Upright, dense evergreen shrub with a broad, oval habit
Bold green and white variegation provides year-round interest
Excellent for hedges, screens, foundation plantings, and containers
Tolerates pruning and shaping for a formal appearance
Adaptable to a wide range of conditions

Maintenance:
Prune as needed to maintain shape or size
Tolerates shearing for formal hedges
Remove any solid green shoots to maintain variegation

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

6-10'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

7–10

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Soil

Highly Adaptable, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Hedge

Shape

Broad Upright, Compact

Bark

Corky

Fragrant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes