Euonymus fortunei 'Sunrise' (Sunrise Euonymus)


Michael's Opinion

A slow growing but deeply coloured (50% yellow) cultivar of Euonymus. Best used in mass planting to truly appreciate its colouring.

Botanical Information

FamilyCelastraceae
GenusEuonymus
Speciesfortunei
Cultivar'Sunrise'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
ReferencesMake it Green Garden Centre, Stittsville, Ontario.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4–9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-26
Temperature (°F)-20
Height1.2 m
Spread1.5 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJune

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThis cultivar is a sort of 'Emerald Charm'. It has outstanding colouration with over 50% of the foliage a deep lemon yellow colour.
ID CharacteristicLeaves are 50% yellow. Yellow and green foliage and a fine texture sets it apart from the other variegated cultivars of Euonymus.
ShapeRound-mounding shape; multi-stemmed.
PropagationCuttings root easily any time of the year but especially in the summer months.
CultivationTolerant of most soils except swampy, extremely wet conditions, tolerates full sun and heavy shade, pH adaptable, and tolerant of heavy pruning.
PestsEuonymus crown gall and Euonymus scale may be problematic.
Notable SpecimensThe Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSmooth brown bark is not particularly outstanding.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description Buds are green to purple they are arranged opposite and medium to small in size.
Leaf DescriptionYellow variegated; the yellow portion comprises 50% of total leaves surface. Leaves are 3.5-5 cm wide and about 4.5 – 6 cm long and are obovate in shape.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are a greenish colour, found in auxillary cymes from June–July and are not particularly showy.
Fruit Description 25 mm diameter usually with pink to red colour; releases seeds in October- November.
Colour DescriptionYellow with green highlights in the spring then in the summer the yellow darkens to a gold colour.
Texture DescriptionMedium fine.

Photographs