What soil does Wintercreeper grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Wintercreeper hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Wintercreeper toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How much water does Wintercreeper need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Wintercreeper cost?

It sells for roughly €4 to €25 in local shops, depending on size.

Wintercreeper

Euonymus fortunei

Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei) is a ground cover plant. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €4.

Illustration of Wintercreeper — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An evergreen, ground-covering small shrub that forms a dense carpet in sun or shade, and the variegated forms keep their colour through winter. Next to a wall or a tree trunk it climbs with clinging roots, so trim it back there once a year. Shoots root where they touch the soil, so keep an eye on it and do not let it wander out of its bed or beyond the fence.

Watch out for

Euonymus scale is a serious pest, infested shoots weaken and can die back. Powdery mildew and leaf spot also occur, and the leaves can scorch in harsh, windy winters. In Central Europe it can escape from gardens and establish along woodland edges, so never dump the clippings in the wild.

Considered invasive in a neighbouring country

It isn't listed here, but don't plant it near natural habitats, woodland or water, and don't leave the clippings outside the garden.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 80 cm × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–July, green

Group	Ground cover
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	80 cm × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	0.6–6 m × 1.5–2.5 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	June–July, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	50 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €4

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
10-15 cm	approx. €4
10-20 cm	approx. €8.50
20-40 cm	approx. €7
100-120 cm	approx. €25
size not stated	approx. €4.90 – €12

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Evergreen plants Plants for containers

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