Purpleleaf Wintercreeper

Purpleleaf Wintercreeper

(Euonymus fortunei var. coloratus)

Celastraceae (Spindletree Family)

▲ winter coloration of foliage

Euonymus fortunei: Wintercreeper Euonymus

Location on campus: in Grand St. underpass, in raised bed on John Q. Hammons Parkway between Glass Hall and Meyer Library, by east doors to Carrington Hall, plus many other locations.

• evergreen, opposite, ovate leaves with slightly serrate to crenate margins; leaves 2" long and 1/2 as wide
• can spread along the ground (6-18" as groundcover), or climb walls/trees by aerial roots (going 40’ or more up walls/trees/poles); fast growing
• prefers full sun to fairly deep shade, tolerates most soils except very wet soils
• all cultivars/varieties subject to euonymus scale, a tiny white insect which can eventually kill out stems
• cultivars/varieties:
  • var. coloratus: (Purpleleaf Wintercreeper)
    • foliage turns deep maroon red in winter, particularly leaf undersides
    • very vigorous, fast grower; can be invasive