Euonymus fortunei 'Sunspot' (Sunspot Euonymus)


Michael's Opinion

A brightly coloured form of this popular garden species with intense yellow colouring. Not as winter hardy as other cultivars.

Botanical Information

FamilyCelastraceae
GenusEuonymus
Speciesfortunei
Cultivar'Sunspot'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginSport from a cultivar of 'Emerald Cushion' propagated in 1978 by Peter R. Neilson.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-35 - (-1)
Temperature (°F)-30 - 30
Height1 m
Spread1 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodSeptember

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionGrows comparatively (to species) more 'shrub-like', unlike the parent species this cultivar does not climb or creep. The branching habit is often crisscrossed appearing almost lattice like.
ID CharacteristicGreen edge with deep yellow centres.
ShapeRounded to somewhat sprawling.
LandscapeSuitable for mass or accent planting but should at least be planted in groups.
PropagationPropagated by cuttings from June through August using upright vertical shoots.
CultivationTolerant of most soils except swampy, extremely wet conditions. Grows well in either full sun or partial shade; pH adaptable. Remove reversions as they occur.
PestsEuonymus scale and crown gall can both be fatal.
Notable SpecimensAt the front of 'M' building, The Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionNew growth is soft textured and brilliant butter-yellow colour, aged bark gets to be greyish-brown with coarse texture.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionLengthened narrowly conical to about 8 mm, light brown on the outer scales. A light yellow may be seen peeking through the scales.
Leaf DescriptionBroad leaved evergreen leaves, thicker than species with waxy coating. Leaves are 2-3 cm in length with acutely-serrate margins and an ovate-elliptic shape with a pronounced yellow centre and dark green margins.
Fruit DescriptionNot particularly showy pink round winged arils about the size of the tip of a small pinkie finger.
Colour DescriptionDark green around the margins makes the yellow center really pop out. Turning a slight purple/ pink tinge during the winter months. Some reversion may occur.
Texture DescriptionAlmost rubbery with a glossy shine that gleams in the winter sun. A medium to coarse textured plant.

Photographs