Euonymus fortunei ‘Harlequin’

Euonymus fortunei ‘Harlequin’ is a compact evergreen shrub with beautifully variegated foliage, heavily splashed and mottled in creamy white against deep green. Fresh growth can emerge particularly pale, while cooler autumn and winter weather often brings an attractive soft pink flush to the leaves.

At approximately 25cm tall in a 13cm nursery pot, ‘Harlequin’ is an easy way to add year-round colour and structure to patio pots, window boxes and garden borders. Its naturally low, spreading habit also makes it useful as attractive evergreen ground cover.

Light & Position

Grow outdoors in full sun or partial shade. Good light helps maintain the strongest variegation, although ‘Harlequin’ is adaptable and will tolerate a range of positions.

It is particularly useful for brightening areas where darker evergreen foliage might otherwise dominate.

Soil & Planting

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil or a good-quality multipurpose compost if growing in a container. Euonymus is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and pH levels, provided the roots are not left permanently waterlogged.

Watering

Water regularly while establishing and when growing in a container, allowing the surface of the compost to begin drying between waterings. Established plants growing in the ground are relatively tolerant of occasional dry periods.

Avoid permanently wet or waterlogged soil.

Year-Round Colour

‘Harlequin’ is grown primarily for its evergreen foliage rather than its flowers. The creamy-white variegation provides colour throughout the year, while colder autumn and winter conditions can bring pinkish tones to the pale areas of the leaves.

Pruning

Very little pruning is required. Trim lightly in spring or summer if needed to maintain a compact shape or remove any untidy growth.

If any completely plain green shoots appear, remove them promptly so they do not begin to dominate the variegated growth.

Why You'll Love It

• Evergreen foliage for year-round interest
• Green leaves heavily splashed with creamy white
• Young and winter foliage can develop attractive pink tones
• Compact and easy to grow
• Ideal for patio pots, window boxes and borders
• Useful as low-growing evergreen ground cover
• Fully hardy for outdoor growing in the UK

Pet & Child Safety

Euonymus can be harmful if eaten, so keep out of reach of pets and young children if they are likely to chew the plant.

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Euonymus fortunei ‘Harlequin’
Common Name: Variegated Spindle / Winter Creeper
Foliage: Green, cream-white and seasonal pink tones
Nursery Pot Size: 13cm
Approximate Height: 25cm
Growth Habit: Compact, low and spreading
Foliage: Evergreen
Position: Outdoors