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Golden Euonymus – Variegated Evergreen Shrub for Year-Round Color
Euonymus japonicus 'Aureo Marginata'
Golden Euonymus is one of my favorite ways to add year-round color to evergreen plantings. The golden-edged leaves pop against darker foliage, giving instant curb appeal even in the gray of winter. It’s tough, adaptable, and thrives in full sun or partial shade with very little maintenance. Whether you want a bold variegated hedge or a single specimen to brighten a mixed border, Golden Euonymus delivers dependable, eye-catching color in every season.
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Golden Euonymus – Variegated Evergreen Shrub for Year-Round Color
Brilliant foliage for every season.
Golden Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus ‘Aureo-marginatus’) delivers a stunning pop of color with glossy green leaves edged in bright golden yellow. Its variegated evergreen foliage stands out against darker greens and provides year-round interest, even in the dead of winter. Whether used as a formal hedge, mixed border, or specimen accent, this shrub brings bold, vibrant contrast to any landscape.
Versatile and easy to grow.
Hardy in USDA Zones 6–9, Golden Euonymus thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a wide range of soils. It typically grows 5–10 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide, making it suitable for hedges, privacy screens, or colorful foundation plantings. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and low maintenance, making it a dependable choice for busy homeowners who want long-lasting color without constant care.
Perfect for hedges or accents.
Plant several shrubs 3–4 feet apart to form a striking variegated hedge or use individual plants as golden accents in mixed beds. The foliage shines when paired with darker evergreens, creating dramatic color contrast and visual depth. Its naturally dense habit can be lightly pruned for a formal look or allowed to grow freely for a more natural style.
Low-maintenance beauty with year-round impact.
Golden Euonymus is deer-tolerant and urban-tolerant, making it ideal for city gardens, suburban landscapes, or rural properties. Its tough, adaptable nature and stunning variegation mean you can enjoy brilliant gold-and-green color every season with minimal upkeep.
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 6 to 10 feet, shorter if kept trimmed |
| Mature Width: | 4 to 8 feet |
| Classification: | Broad Leaved evergreen shrub |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to Part Sun |
| Habit: | Upright, spreading, densely branched |
| Flower Color: | Inconspicuous |
| Foliage: | Glossy green with golden edges |
| Pruning Season: | Prune in spring to maintain shape |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a focal point in the mixed border, mass planting, or a hedge. Great winter interest due to evergreen habit |
How to Care for Golden Euonymus – Variegated Evergreen Shrub for Year-Round Color
Before you buy Golden Euonymus Shrubs, make sure to read about the care instructions that are required and recommended to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How do I plant Golden Euonymus for a hedge or accent?
Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Dig holes twice as wide as the root balls and plant 3–4 feet apart for a hedge. Place each plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, backfill, and water thoroughly. Finish with a 2–3 inch mulch layer, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk. Plant in early spring or fall when temperatures are mild to encourage strong root growth. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and moderate temperature swings, giving Golden Euonymus a strong start.
How much water does Golden Euonymus need?
Water deeply once or twice a week during the first growing season to establish strong roots. After the first year, water only during prolonged dry spells; Golden Euonymus is moderately drought tolerant once established. A consistent mulch layer helps conserve soil moisture and keeps roots cool in summer and insulated in winter.
When and how should I fertilize Golden Euonymus?
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release shrub fertilizer. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the root zone (not directly against the trunk) and water thoroughly to help nutrients soak in. A light midsummer feeding can be applied if your soil is poor, but avoid late-season fertilization so new growth can harden off before winter.
Does Golden Euonymus need regular pruning?
This shrub maintains a naturally dense habit, but light pruning in late spring or early summer keeps hedges tidy and encourages a fuller look. Remove any dead or damaged branches whenever you see them. For a formal hedge, shear lightly after the first flush of growth; for a natural shape, simply thin out wayward shoots.
