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Euonymus japonicus ‘Silver King’
Euonymus japonicus 'Silver King'
Silver King Euonymus is a smart buy when you want an evergreen hedge that looks bright, clean, and intentional all year—without a complicated care routine. The silver-edged foliage lights up foundation beds, it clips into a tidy hedge with ease, and it handles real-world conditions like sun, heat, and even salty exposure better than many broadleaf evergreens.
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Buy Silver King Euonymus for a Bright, Variegated Evergreen Hedge That Stays Easy
Buy Silver King Euonymus for Year-Round Silver-Edged Foliage
Silver King Euonymus is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves trimmed in silvery-white—an instant “brightener” for foundation beds and hedgelines. When you want a variegated evergreen that looks polished in every season, this is the one that delivers structure first and color second, without relying on flowers.
The foliage reads clean from a distance (great curb appeal) and detailed up close (great walkway planting). It’s a strong choice for shoppers who want a dependable evergreen hedge with a little personality.
Choose It for a Dense Evergreen Hedge with a Manageable Mature Size
Silver King typically matures around 4–6 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, forming a dense, upright shrub that can be left natural or kept crisp with light shearing. This size range hits a sweet spot: tall enough for screening and backdrop structure, but still easy to manage in residential landscapes.
For a formal look, it trims beautifully—think tight lines along a fence, driveway edge, or front walk. For a softer look, let it mound a bit and use it as a bold evergreen mass behind perennials.
Low-Maintenance Care in Sun to Part Shade (Plus Heat & Salt Tolerance)
Plant Silver King in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. In very hot areas, a little afternoon shade helps leaves stay lush and reduces stress. Moderate watering during establishment helps build a stronger root system, and once established, it’s often described as drought-tolerant.
It’s also known for its salt tolerance, making it a smart pick for coastal landscapes or roadside exposure where many evergreens struggle. Keep soil from staying soggy and the shrub stays remarkably straightforward.
Best Uses: Foundation Lines, Borders, Screens, and Containers
Use Silver King Euonymus as a foundation shrub, a variegated hedge, or a repeating border plant that ties a design together with consistent color. It’s especially effective in mixed evergreen beds where the silver margins pop against deep green boxwoods, hollies, or arborvitae.
It also performs well in containers when drainage is excellent—perfect for evergreen structure on patios and porches. For functional design, mass plantings can help stabilize slopes while keeping the space bright year-round.
| Mature Height: | 4 to 6 feet |
|---|---|
| Mature Width: | 3 to 4 feet |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Bloom Time / Color | Insignificant; grown for evergreen foliage |
| Foliage: | Glossy Green with silvery-white edges |
| Soil Condition: | Well-drained, average soil |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate; low once established |
| Resistance | Deer-resistant; salt tolerant; drought tolerant once established |
| Landscape Uses | Hedges, borders, foundation plantings, containers, slopes |
How to Care for Euonymus japonicus ‘Silver King’
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Silver King Euonymus for years to come!
How should I plant Silver King Euonymus?
Choose a site with sun to part shade and soil that drains well. Dig a hole 2–3× wider than the root ball and set the shrub so the top of the root ball is level with (or slightly above) the surrounding soil to keep water from pooling at the base. Backfill, firm gently, and water deeply to settle the roots in. For hedge planting, lay plants out before digging to ensure consistent spacing, then mulch 2–3 inches deep to even out moisture (keep mulch off the stems). Spring and early fall are ideal planting windows in most climates, giving roots time to establish before summer heat or winter cold.
How often should I water Silver King Euonymus after planting?
Water thoroughly at planting, then keep the root zone evenly moist during the first growing season. Deep watering 1–2 times per week is a common rhythm, adjusted for heat, wind, and soil type—more often in sandy soil, less often in heavier soils. After establishment, water during extended drought and when foliage looks stressed. This shrub is often described as more drought tolerant once established, but consistent deep watering during dry stretches keeps growth denser and foliage shinier.
When should I fertilize Silver King Euonymus?
Fertilize in early spring as new growth begins, using a balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer if the soil is lean. In average garden soils, a lighter feeding approach keeps growth sturdy and reduces the need for constant clipping. For a soil-first option, top-dress with compost and refresh mulch annually. Healthy soil structure (drainage + moisture balance) does more for long-term evergreen performance than heavy fertilizing.
When and how should I prune Silver King Euonymus?
Prune in late winter to early spring before the flush of new growth. Tip-pruning and light shearing keep the hedge dense and crisp; thinning a few branches improves airflow and maintains vigor. For formal hedges, shear a few times during the growing season as needed, keeping the base slightly wider than the top so light reaches lower foliage. If pests like euonymus scale are present, pruning for airflow and plant health becomes even more valuable.Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and remove dead or crossing branches. This shrub responds well to light trimming and can be maintained as a formal hedge with occasional shearing. For a more natural look, skip annual shearing and allow the plant to develop its naturally rounded form. Avoid heavy pruning in summer, which can stress new growth in heat.
