Shrub · Celastraceae family
wintercreeper
Euonymus fortunei
In short a 10-second read
Wintercreeper (shrub) grows to 0.4–2 m tall and 1–3 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to shade, in dry to average soil. It flowers in June; the flowers are green or white. Hardy to −29 °C.
× spread 1–3 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to shade, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −29 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, humus-rich, loamy, sandy
Soil pH 5–8
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 5–10 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
June · green or white
Pruning
remove dead and damaged growth (as needed)
Planting
container plant: October–April
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −29 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −29 °C
- Evergreen — green in winter too
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does wintercreeper flower?
In June; the flowers are green or white.
Does wintercreeper tolerate shade?
Yes, it tolerates full shade.
How much space does wintercreeper need?
At maturity 1–3 m wide and 0.4–2 m tall; recommended spacing 100 cm.
Does wintercreeper survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −29 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (13)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Euonymus fortunei
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Euonymus fortunei
- BfN (Bundesamt für Naturschutz) — Naturschutzfachliche Invasivitätsbewertung
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Euonymus fortunei
- Wikidata (CC0) — Euonymus fortunei
- RHS - Euonymus fortunei
- RHS - Mulches and mulching
- RHS - Shrubs: pruning evergreens
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
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