Last updated on June 19th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Care of Euonymus Plants pronounced – Euony-mus. These are great fast-growing evergreen shrubs that do well almost anywhere. In the Southwest, they will thrive providing you give them nourishment and water often the first 2-3 years after initial planting. They are drought-tolerant plants once they are well established and can withstand the harsh mid-summer heat.
These plants are easy to trim and prune. They will grow tall if not trimmed back most landscapers and homeowners trim them to use as a hedge short or tall it is up to you.
Where to place them
You can use them as stand-alone plants or in a container as shown below. They are great plants to trim and prune to the size of your liking. Shape them into squares, 2 or 3-tier topiary, Christmas tree shape, or just let them grow to their natural size. It’s ok to place them in partial shade or full sun.
Euonymus Fortunei Emerald n Gold
There are many varieties and we will give you tips and suggestions on how to keep looking their best throughout the growing seasons. In the Southwest, they like well-composted soil and regular watering.
Use them as a hedge for that formal look. They are easy to shape and form into almost any size. I have seen some species up to 12 ft. tall and 5 ft. wide.
Types of Euonymus
The Silver King Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus ‘Silver King’)
Thick shiny leaves with a silver-colored edge. If left alone without pruning they will grow about 6ft. tall and 3-4 ft. wide. Use it as a good border or hedge plant for your landscaping needs. Euonymus will do great in a large container and placed in front of your home entrance…place two of them on each side. It does have a small not showy white flower during the mid-spring season. It can take full sun or partial shade.
Chollipo Euonymus
This euonymus will get taller and wider than the Silver King. It will grow about 12 ft. tall and 6 ft. wide. Small, not showy white flowers during spring. They get thick and grow quickly. A really good plant for border privacy. Learn about “How to block neighbors’ view of my yard”.
View more pictures of this plant in a container over at Monrovia.com
The Golden Euonymus
If you’re looking for a hedge that stands out, this evergreen shrub is a great pick. It’s known for its thick, green leaves with splashes of yellow. It’s tough too. It can handle both hot summers and freezing winters without much trouble. Once it’s settled in, it only needs a moderate amount of water and can even grow in poor soil.
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Variegated Boxleaf Euonymus
Euonymus japonicus ‘Microphyllus Variegatus’. If you are looking for a short evergreen hedge plant, this is the one. It grows about 2-3 ft. tall and 1 ft. wide. The leaves are glossy green with white color on the outer edges. It does not mind the full sun and can be planted in partial shade. It is a somewhat slower-growing Euonymus than the Chollipo and Silver King. Water and fertilize regularly for best results.
Emerald Gaiety Euonymus
This one is a cool plant; the tips on this foliage will turn a light pink color in winter. You can use it as a small hedge or climb a fence or trellis. A deep emerald green color from spring until mid-fall. It is an evergreen in warmer climates. Not a drought-tolerant plant but will do well provided you plug it into a drip system. About 15 minutes every other day during the mid-summer heat.
USDA growing zone 5-9.
Care of Euonymus Plants
Like all plants, they do develop problems. One of the most common is the Euonymus Scale. Scale are small insects that attack the limbs and suck the juice of these plants. Mites and mealybugs will attack all varieties of Euonymus plants. Fertilizing and observing your plants often is the best deterrent to pests and diseases. Use a good systemic insecticide at the first sight of insects. Scale and Mealybugs on a rose leaf; see photo below.
Powdery mildew can occasionally become a problem, especially during periods of higher humidity or when plants are crowded and air circulation is poor. It appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and sometimes flower buds. If left untreated, it can weaken the plant, reduce growth, and affect its overall appearance.
Take a look at the picture below for an example of what powdery mildew looks like. At the first sign of infection, spray the affected areas with a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew control or apply neem oil according to the product directions. Be sure to coat both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves for the best results.
Because powdery mildew can be persistent, you may need to make several applications, typically every 7 to 14 days, before the problem is brought under control. Removing heavily infected leaves and improving air circulation around the plant can also help prevent future outbreaks. With prompt treatment, most plants recover quickly and continue to grow normally.
Other Evergreen Shrubs for the Southwest.Â
Care of Euonymus Plants
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