Euonymus fortunei aka Climbing Euonymus

Euonymus fortunei, or wintercreeper, belongs to the Celastraceae family. Its native range runs from the eastern Himalaya through temperate eastern Asia. It also reaches western and central Malesia. This evergreen plant grows as a woody vine or shrub. Young plants creep along the ground; mature growth can form shrubs. It grows fast and has spread beyond gardens into eastern US forests.

Garden size depends on its form and support. RHS gives height and width as 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Oregon State describes smaller mounds, 1–3 feet [0.3–0.9 metres] high. These spread 2–4 feet [0.6–1.2 metres] wide. Supported vines can reach 40–70 feet [12–21 metres]. Stems root where they meet damp soil. Aerial roots help climbing stems grip trees and walls. Young shoots are green, smooth, and stiff. Older stems turn reddish brown and rough. The thin bark starts smooth and gray-brown.

The leaves grow in opposite pairs and have toothed edges. They are leathery, dark green, and marked with pale veins. Their upper sides shine; the undersides look paler and duller. Leaves may change color or suffer burn in winter. Mature growth bears small greenish-white flowers, often in June. Each flower measures about a quarter-inch across and has four petals. Bees visit the flowers. Pale seed capsules ripen in autumn and split open. They reveal seeds wrapped in orange or red arils. Birds eat these and help spread the plant.

Grow wintercreeper in sun or partial shade, in soil that drains well. It also tolerates deeper shade and many soil types. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Moist soil supports growth, but established plants withstand some drought. Wet ground does not suit it. Sources place it in USDA zones 4–9, with some favoring zone 5 upward. RHS rates it H5 for UK conditions. It tolerates city conditions and salt. Growers can raise new plants from cuttings or layering.

Where it is not invasive, gardeners use it as groundcover or hedging. It can edge paths, cover slopes, and help limit erosion. Climbing plants can cover walls or fences. This use also encourages flowers, seeds, and further spread. It can crowd out native plants and overwhelm trees. Scale, aphids, vine weevils, and caterpillars may attack it. Diseases include anthracnose, powdery mildew, leaf spot, and crown gall. Deer can damage the foliage. No edible uses are known. RHS warns that eating it can harm people and pets. Large amounts may cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or worse symptoms.