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Name That Plant!

What is this sucker

T N C (Ontario, Canada zone 6)

7 years ago

Want to know what it is, and what to do with it, leave it, prune it, pull it.

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Comments (3)

Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Euonymus fortunei -- Winter creeper

Even though it is hardy up into zone 5, possibly 4, it may be semi-evergreen in your zone? Not sure about the temp at which it starts to defoliate (maybe around -5 degrees F?), but its evergreen-ness is a nice feature...although it turns sort of a dusky purple in fall and winter, but greens up again upon warmer temps.

It can be invasive in some parts of the continent. I would selectively prune so it doesn't spread up into trees, etc. In other words, keep an eye on it. But it is a commonly used ground cover, and climber. Similar in habit to English ivy. It is more likely to produce flowers and seed once it starts to go vertical and climb.

I'm sure some will tell you to yank. But evergreens in zones 5 and 6 are sometimes hard to come by.
T N C (Ontario, Canada zone 6) thanked Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
7 years ago
if its encroaching on the path ... then it needs to be cut back.. IMHO ...

hand shears.. track the long ones back into the plant.. and cut them 6 to 8 inches back ... those left will take over growth out into the path ... an annual cutting back.. will help keep its nice natural look ...

i would not simply cut it at the path edge ...

ken
T N C (Ontario, Canada zone 6) thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
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Smivies (Ontario - 5b)
7 years ago
Euonymus fortunei is solidly evergreen in zone 6 Ontario and hasn't (yet?) demonstrated 'invasive' tendencies in Ontario. Given the somewhat limited options for broadleaf evergreens in this area, I'd keep it. Euonymus Scale is proving to be an effective Euonymus fortunei control for those worried about rampant spreading across the continent.

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