Euonymus Wintercreeper - Tips On How To Plant Wintercreeper Vines

For those interested in planting perennial vines in the landscape, perhaps you will want to consider growing Euonymus wintercreeper. Learning how to plant wintercreeper is easy and other than occasional pruning, wintercreeper care is simple too.

Euonymus Wintercreeper Vines

Wintercreeper (Eyonymus fortunei) is an attractive, woody evergreen vine. Numerous varieties are available, including those with a strong climbing habit. Some vines reach heights of 40 to 70 feet (12-21 m.) quickly, making pruning wintercreeper vines necessary to keep it under control. E. erecta is a non-climbing variety with upright leaves and E. kewensis forms a lovely ground-hugging mat. 

If you have a large open area, or a place where other plants have failed, try wintercreeper. This hardy, attractive plant bears tiny yellowish flowers from May through July, and can be used as a low hedge or wall covering. Many people with rock barrier walls dangle wintercreeper vines over the edge for color.

How to Plant Wintercreeper

Wintercreeper can be planted in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 9 and will do well in full sun or partial shade. Space plants 18 to 24 inches (46-61 cm.) apart in spring once the ground can be worked. 

Wintercreeper is not particular about soil conditions but does best in an acid loam that is moist but not overly saturated. Water young plants well until they are established. 

Once established, wintercreeper tolerates dry conditions and does not require extra water. Wintercreeper transplants well and can be used to fill in other garden areas once mature.

Care of Wintercreeper Plants

Once planted, euonymus wintercreeper requires minimal attention. In fact, once established in the landscape, the care of wintercreeper plants is simple. Although not necessary, unless it becomes unruly, pruning wintercreeper may be done to control growth and cut tall sprouts if using for ground cover. 

Always use clean and sharp pruning shears when clipping. Euonymus scale can be a problem and is fatal if not controlled. Check for scale insects on the underside of leaves and use an insecticidal soap or neem oil as directed.