Euonymus 'Emerald 'n' Gold': a useful small variegated evergreen shrub

Euonymus fortuneii ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ is a very useful small variegated evergreen shrub and is suited to almost all conditions. Happy in any well-drained soil, it can cope with sun or shade, with wind or with shelter, and is hardy for British winters.

 

E. ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ doesn’t get particularly big- it will achieve heights of up to 1m if given enough time- but it does like to spread. Grown as a ‘freestanding’ shrub it will grow to widths of up to 1m, but let it lean against a fence, wall or structure and it will get broader. For this reason, it is quite useful as a slow-growing screen for a bin store or a low wall. It can also form an interesting low-growing informal hedge if required.

 

E. ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ is a versatile plant for any time of the year, but I really like it in November. It stands out because of its dark green leaves which are edged with a bright and cheerful golden colour. It is a great combination, and it always makes me smile even on the greyest of November days. Even better, the leaves can often take on a slightly pinkish tinge in the colder months, providing a little extra late autumn/early winter colour.

 

As a garden designer, I love to use E. ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ at the back of a narrow border (particularly if it is against a fence or wall) or in the middle of a larger planting space. It is good as a single specimen plant in the middle of other things, but it has more impact when planted in groups of three or five. It looks wonderful alongside plants with different textures and colours. I like it next to the much larger leafed Fatsia japonica or the bright red stems of Cornus ‘Sibirica’.

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Tythorne Garden Design provides professional fixed-fee garden design solutions for customers in Grantham, Stamford, Newark and surrounding areas. Let's see how we can help you to enjoy your garden more. Call us on 07900 224 239 or 01529 455 355.

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