Fortune’s Spindle, scientifically known as Euonymus fortunei, is a versatile plant often found in diverse landscapes. This broadleaf evergreen is commonly called wintercreeper euonymus, wintercreeper, or simply spindle. Native to East Asia, it has gained popularity in gardening for its adaptability and range of growth habits. Its ability to thrive in various conditions makes it a common choice for many gardeners.
Understanding Fortune’s Spindle
Euonymus fortunei exhibits significant variability in its appearance and growth. It can manifest as a dense, creeping groundcover, a mounding shrub, or a climbing vine using adventitious roots to ascend surfaces. Its ovate-elliptic leaves, typically 1 to 3 inches long with finely toothed edges, display a range of colors, from dark green to variegated patterns with gold, white, or purplish hues, providing year-round interest.
Many cultivars exist, each with distinct characteristics. Popular choices include ‘Emerald Gaiety’ and ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ for their variegated leaves, and ‘Colorata’ for foliage that turns purplish in colder temperatures. Other varieties like ‘Gracilis’ offer different growth forms and leaf patterns. This diversity allows gardeners to select a Fortune’s Spindle for specific design needs, from low-growing spreads to climbing accents.
Cultivation and Care
Fortune’s Spindle adapts well to various growing conditions. It prefers average, medium moisture, well-drained soils but tolerates diverse soil types, including clay, and is resilient in urban environments. Established plants can withstand some drought, making them low-maintenance.
It grows well in full sun to partial shade, and some varieties tolerate significant shade. Variegated cultivars often display their best color in ample sunlight. Watering needs are moderate; new plants require consistent moisture for establishment, while established plants are more drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering, as it prefers well-drained conditions.
Fertilization is not frequently required. If growth is sluggish or foliage color is poor, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring. Pruning maintains the plant’s shape and controls growth. Annual trimming after flowering helps keep a desirable form, and specific techniques can encourage groundcover or climbing vine growth. Fortune’s Spindle is cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Landscape Uses
Fortune’s Spindle is suitable for numerous landscape applications due to its versatility. Creeping varieties serve as excellent groundcovers, effectively covering large areas like slopes and rockeries, and providing erosion control. It can also be used as a low hedge or border plant, creating defined garden spaces. Its dense growth habit suits these structured uses.
When provided with support, Fortune’s Spindle can be trained as a climbing vine on trellises, walls, or fences, adding vertical interest. It also works well in container plantings for patios or small spaces. As a foundation plant, it provides evergreen interest around buildings.
Managing Common Issues and Invasiveness
Though robust, Fortune’s Spindle can encounter certain pests and diseases. Euonymus scale is a common issue requiring treatment. Other potential problems include anthracnose, crown gall, leaf spot, mildew, and aphids. Regular foliage inspection helps detect these issues early for timely intervention.
A key consideration with Euonymus fortunei is its aggressive growth and potential invasiveness in certain regions. In many parts of the eastern United States and Canada, it is considered invasive, outcompeting native vegetation and smothering forests. Its ability to spread vegetatively through rooting stems and via animal-dispersed seeds contributes to its invasive nature. The plant can also climb adjacent structures, leading to further spread.
Managing its spread involves several strategies. Physical removal of unwanted growth is effective for small infestations. Proper pruning can control its size and prevent fruiting, reducing seed dispersal. Before planting, check local regulations and advisories, as some areas discourage or prohibit its use due to invasive tendencies. Selecting less aggressive or sterile cultivars, or opting for native plant alternatives, can be a responsible choice where invasiveness is a concern.