Emerald 'N Gold Wintercreeper Euonymus

Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald n Gold'

Nature Hills Nursery

Year-Round Color: Golden-Edged Leaves Turn Pink in Fall for Four-Season Interest
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 1-2 ft Tall, 3-4 ft Wide
Showy Green Blooms in Late Spring
Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees

$66⁷⁵

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Plant Size

#2 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This versatile evergreen thrives in anything from full sun to heavy shade. For the most vibrant gold variegation, aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun; plants in deep shade will shift toward a more muted green color.
Soil: It prefers well drained soil and is not picky about pH levels. If you have heavy clay that holds water like a sponge, mix in some organic compost or aged bark to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Emerald 'N Gold twice a week to help the roots knit into the surrounding soil. Once established, this plant is remarkably drought tolerant and only needs supplemental water during long periods of extreme heat. Inconsistent watering during the first summer can lead to leaf drop or stunted growth, so keep the moisture levels steady until it is mature.

Pruning Tips

Since this shrub blooms on old wood, you should wait until immediately after the spring flowering period to do any major shaping. Think of pruning like a haircut to maintain its low, mounding habit or to remove any "reverting" stems that have turned solid green. Regular shearing encourages the plant to grow denser, which creates a more effective groundcover or low hedge.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the new growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall because this can stimulate tender new growth that will get damaged by the first hard frost. A single application of a general purpose 10-10-10 formula is usually all this vigorous grower needs to maintain its bright color.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Evergreen, Groundcover
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Climbing, Compact, Spreading, Trailing
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Green
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Burning Bush
Botanical Name	Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald n Gold'
Species	fortunei
Cultivar	Emerald n Gold
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, IN, KS, MD, MT, PR

The Emerald 'N Gold Wintercreeper Euonymus (Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald n Gold') is an easy-care, colorful, small, low-growing broadleaf evergreen shrub that spreads nicely but is so simple to keep in check! Reads like your wish list for a modern front yard landscape, doesn't it?

The new leaves in spring emerge yellow, with bright green leaves liberally edged in delicious gold during the growing season. The Emerald 'N Gold Wintercreeper brightens your landscape despite the heat, cold, sun, or humidity! In the Fall, you will see a beautiful pink blush over the plants as they go dormant for a beautiful winter display! Tiny flowers appear in the spring that pollinators adore, even if they aren't that showy.

Friendly and fun, this is a carefree plant you won't have to worry about. It will look great for you year-round. Where the plant bumps up against a vertical brick wall or cement barrier it will grow up or can be trained on a shorter trellis. These plants grow about 2 feet in height but can spread 3-4 feet wide!

Planting and Application:

Adding a splash of sunny color adds a tremendous amount of curb appeal. Plant in full sun for the best color and give it room to spread. As wonderful groundcover specimens and edging, you will have fuss-free alternatives to some more high-maintenance shrubs.

As a design idea, you might place a single Emerald 'N Gold Wintercreeper on either side of your front door or use it as the "spiller" in decorative planters. Plant them in a modern or colorful decorative container for a unique focal point! A colorful broadleaved evergreen typically used as a groundcover or plant for massing.

Use it as a foundation planting to spotlight special architectural features without overwhelming your house. They'll perk up a tired foundation hedge or evergreen hedge as a facer plant to hide the bare leggy stems of older shrubs.

This is a complimentary color for hot pink, so consider planting a bright row to line a garden bed filled with pink varieties of Oso Easy® or Knock Out® Roses.

As a utilitarian workhorse, this year-round green and gold broadleaf evergreen is ideal for erosion control on slopes and hard-to-mow hillsides, filling trickier areas with the hardiness that the Wintercreeper family boasts!

Beautiful, Variegated Green & Gold Foliage
Spreading Low-Growing Broadleaf Evergreens
Very Easy to Grow Year-Round Color
Pinkish Winter Color
Ideal Edging, Front Yard Landscaping, Container Spillers & Erosion Control

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Sun or part shade plants that are hardy in USDA planting zones 5-9. In the colder zones, the plants will appreciate protection from winter winds. But in warmer zones, the plants will appreciate afternoon shade. Plant this absolute beauty in full sun and rich, well-drained soil for the best growth possible! Adding a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch at the base helps keep moisture levels even. It seems the only thing that really upsets Emerald 'N Gold is having wet feet in soggy soil!

You can prune your shrub back in the spring, either shearing or cutting off winter dieback. It's the epitome of low maintenance! Give shrubs in zone 5 a good anti-desiccant and a good drink in the fall to keep them from drying out throughout the winter.

Best Color In Full Sun
Well-Drained Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs
Prune In Sprin
Easy Care & Low Maintenance

Order your very own Emerald 'N Gold Euonymus Wintercreeper and make your life feel complete! You won't know how you ever lived without it! Find yours today at Nature Hills Nursery!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are euonymus deer resistant?

Emerald 'N Gold Wintercreeper Euonymus is generally deer resistant due to its somewhat bitter foliage that deer typically avoid. While no plant is completely deer-proof, this hardy evergreen groundcover rarely suffers deer damage. For best results, plant in full sun where it will develop its strongest flavor and most vibrant color.

What is the mature height and width of Emerald 'N Gold Wintercreeper?

Emerald 'N Gold Wintercreeper reaches about 2 feet tall and spreads 3-4 feet wide at maturity. This compact, spreading habit makes it perfect for groundcover or foundation plantings. Give it room to spread naturally for best results.

How much water does Emerald 'N Gold Wintercreeper need after planting?

Water newly planted Emerald 'N Gold Wintercreeper deeply once or twice weekly for the first growing season. This drought-tolerant shrub needs consistent moisture to establish its root system. Once established, it requires minimal watering except during extended dry periods.

What type of soil is best for planting Emerald 'N Gold Wintercreeper?

Emerald 'N Gold Wintercreeper thrives in well-draining soil and adapts to various soil types. This hardy evergreen tolerates poor soils but performs best with good drainage. Plant in full sun for optimal golden coloration and allow 3-4 feet spacing for natural spreading.

How should I prune Emerald 'N Gold Wintercreeper to keep it shaped?

Emerald 'N Gold Wintercreeper requires minimal pruning since it naturally stays compact at 2 feet tall. Simply trim wayward shoots in late winter or early spring to maintain its 3-4 foot spread. Shop quality specimens at naturehills.com for this low-maintenance groundcover.

Emerald 'N Gold Wintercreeper Euonymus

Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald n Gold'