Plant of the week – Euonymus fortunei needs to be further specified. I’m here referring to ‘Emerald ’n Gaiety’, which flaunts very elegant, small eucalyptus coloured evergreen leaves with a white edge (pink in winter). The lightish appearance makes it perfect for the darker corners of a garden. That is thrives in shade, partial shade and full sun indicates its versatility.
Plant of the week – Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald’n Gaiety’
But it’s not only the light conditions that provides for versatility. So does its acceptance of a range of well-draining soil types, including dry shade. This is a low maintenance shrub and for garden design purposes may be used as a hedge, a climber if supported, or ground cover. It responds well to pruning which should be carried out in mid to late spring. Ultimate height after about 10-20 years is 0.5-1m; spread about 1-1.5m. In other words it’s a slow grower so can be left alone for most of the time.
Variegated plants should, from a design perspective, be treated with some care. You don’t want first impressions to be messy. I would plant this one as a group (ground cover or hedge). Or why not together with similarily coloured plants. Birch perhaps?
