FAQ: Water run-off is causing an erosion issue. Should I plant Mondo?

Q. I have a location that is a steep hill, that runs down towards a lake.  Water run-off is causing an erosion issue.  I am planning on purchasing 100 Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' - Dwarf Mondo Grass - Bare Root,  to start. I'm curious as to your opinion on this application of this grass.  Second, I want to know how quickly these would need to be planted once they arrive.

Dwarf Mondo bare root divisions

A. Dwarf mondo grass is a slow-growing ground cover, so it won't stabilize the soil on the hill all by itself. You could install an erosion control blanket/mat and plant through it. Still, that doesn't change the fact that dwarf mondo grows slowly.

If you decide to install a blanket/mat, to help stabilize the soil until your ground cover plant matures, it should be made of organic material (like straw). I recently saw some for sale at our local farm supply store.

Faster growing ground covers include Campsis radicans (aka Trumpet Vine, a very aggressive native plant that will climb anything in its path), Euonymus fortunei (aka Wintercreeper), Gelsemium sempervirens (aka Carolina Jessamine, another native ground cover that will climb if given the opportunity), Hypericum calycinum (aka St. John's Wort), Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific' and Junipers horizontalis 'Wiltonii', Liriope spicata (aka Creeping Lily Turf), Pachysandra terminalis (aka Japanese Spurge), Trachelospermum asiaticum (aka Asiatic Jasmine), Vinca major (aka Big-Leaf Periwinkle) and Vinca minor (aka Periwinkle).

Bare root plants should be planted ASAP. If you can't get to them all at once, set the plants upright in the shipping box, keep them moist, avoid exposure to sun, wind and freezing temperatures.

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Behind A Garden Wall: Aldridge Botanical Gardens

Aldridge Gardens lake vista

Aldridge Gardens is described as a "hidden jewel in the middle of Hoover, Alabama's fifth largest city." Formerly the home of Eddie and Kay Aldridge, it was donated by them to the city as a public garden. Set among woodland, the 30-acre garden provides a place of rest, reflection and recreation for its visitors.

Eddie Aldridge is a retired nurseryman. He and his father, Loren, operated Aldridge Nursery in Birmingham for about 40 years. Among their plant interests was the Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), now the State Wildflower of Alabama. Their crowning achievement was the discovery and marketing of the 'Snowflake' Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake'), a chance seedling with doubled flowers. Naturally, Aldridge Gardens has a large hydrangea collection.

Sadly, Aldridge Garden Shop and Nursery no longer exists. The property was sold in 2000, and, to Eddie's chagrin, became the site of a Walgreens store. He had hoped for something better like a Class A office building.

I expect that Eddie is consoled in seeing his estate developed as a fine botanical garden. Follow me to see what grows beyond the Aldridge Garden wall.

Just beyond the gatehouse, you'll stroll across the entrance plaza with benches dominated by a sculpture, "On The Nature Of Building" by Ted Metz. If you're waiting for someone to join you, this is the place to do it.

From the beginning of your visit you'll see hydrangeas aplenty. Oakleaf Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs native to woodlands in the Southeastern United States. They can grow to be quite large, up to 25 feet tall and twice as wide. Bark is cinnamon-colored and flaky. Enormous white flower panicles, up to 12 inches long, appear in summer and turn pink as they age. Oakleaf Hydrangeas have large, rough leaves that resemble Red Oak foliage. Fall color is spectacular. I visited in early October, so the color was only beginning to develop.

Aldridge's camellia collection featuring over 40 varieties will delight enthusiasts. Sasanquas begin the show in September. Several re-blooming azaleas enhanced the display.

The Metz work is not the only piece of outdoor sculpture in the garden. Several by Frank Fleming, like "Along for the Ride", amuse visitors (especially children).

A half-mile walking trail meanders around the 5 acre lake, and offers pleasant vistas and tasteful seating to enjoy them. Tropical plants like this Ginger Lily (Hedycium gardneri) flank a small stream that feeds the lake. Dozens of bird species may be spotted in the area, especially during their seasonal migrations. The stocked lake is also home to other aquatic species. A boat house overlooking the water is a popular spot for resting, snacking and watching wildlife.

The Shade Garden and Arbor Garden with its evergreen clematis, also feature hydrangeas, ferns, Japanese maples, and surprises around every turn. One little boy surprised us several times coming around turns, his mother in pursuit.

Which reminds me that Aldridge Gardens is a fine place to bring children for outings. Classes and workshops are often held in a large pavilion. The day we visited children were invited to a hands-on experience with bugs and worms, and a plant sale was in progress. Near the Wildflower Meadow an eerie scaffold remained, probably from a recent program on A Native American Experience.

The Aldridge home, overlooking the lake, now houses the Eddie and Kay Aldridge Art and Historical Collection Museum. The landscaping includes many other species of native plants such as a magnificent Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix), Hearts-A-Burstin' (Euonymus americanus), and a White Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia leucophylla) among other species in the bog garden.

Residents in the Birmingham area should visit Aldridge Gardens often. Those who don't live nearby should know it's well worth the drive. Mine was over 12 hours round-trip, and I'll do it again! Aldridge Gardens has a lot to offer. Every season brings new pleasures, so visit often and see what grows behind that garden wall.

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FAQ: I have a heavily shaded lawn and have given up on trying to grow grass...What would you suggest?

Asiatic Jasmine lawn substitute

Q. We live approximately 60 miles southeast of Atlanta. I have a heavily shaded lawn and have given up on trying to grow grass. I have been advised to try Lenten Roses and ferns as an alternative. We have very hard clay soil but sloping, so have pretty good drainage. What would you suggest?

A. There are two ways you can deal with this. The first would be to develop a lawn substitute planted with shade loving species that tolerate some foot traffic. Appropriate plants could include Bugle Weed (Ajuga reptans), Sedge (Carex morrowii), Kenilworth Ivy (Cymbalaria aequitriloba), Kew Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei 'Kewensis'), Variegated Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea 'Variegata'), Moss (Hypnum imponens), Lily Turf (Liriope muscari), Creeping Lily Turf (Liriope spicata), Creeping Wire Vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris) or Dwarf Creeping Wire Vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris 'Nana'), Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) or Dwarf Mondo (Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana').

The second would be to develop a shade garden in which foot traffic is not allowed, or is restricted to paths and stepping stones. Appropriate plants could include Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior), ferns, Lily Of The Valley (Convallaria majalis), Lenten Rose (Helleborus spp.), English Ivy (Hedera helix 'Needlepoint', 'Anne Marie', 'Gold Child', 'Ingelise', 'Teardrop'), Hosta, Allegheny Spurge (Pachysandra procumbens), Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis), Spike Moss (Selaginella uncinata or other species), Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum), and Vincas (V. major or V. minor). Of course, any of the low-growing lawn substitute type plants could also be included.

I also suggest amending your hard clay soil. Spread a four inch layer of organic compost over the area, and work it into the top six inches of soil with a tiller. Next, spread a 4 inch layer of sand over the area, and till it into the first six inches of soil. This should help to make the site more hospitable.

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About planting Euonymus fortunei - Wintercreeper

Euonymus in 3-1/2 inch pot

Q. I want to plant Euonymus fortunei Purple Wintercreeper, and I do not want it to grow over about 6 inches high (for visual reasons).  Is it correct that in order to restrict the height of the plant, I should cut the height over the first few years to cause more horizontal branching? Also, when would be a good time to plant them? Are there any particular recommendations on the best way to plant them?

A. Yes, cutting the height will cause more horizontal branching. Not only will it tend to reduce the height, but will also improve the density of the ground cover.

Euonymus is very tough, so we sell the bare root plants all year long. The plants are bundled, wrapped in moist packing material, and shipped in water-resistant boxes. They can be planted successfully during summer, providing they receive adequate irrigation after planting.

For more about Euonymus, check out my other articles on the plant in this blog. Look for Euonymus in the label index in the right side bar.

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Lawn Grass Substitutes

Mondo - Ophiopogon - lawn

For some homeowners, lawn work is therapeutic and the end result is a matter of pride.  Others consider it to be necessary, but time-consuming and an unwelcome expense.  Some folks think lawns are ecologically unfriendly, requiring chemical applications and too much water.  The fact is that lawns can be all of that, more or less.  It depends on your perspective.  But this guide is not intended to argue the virtues and vices of grass.  The purpose is to stimulate your thinking about options and to inform you of various plant alternatives to the typical lawn.

What practical purposes do lawns serve?

• Lawns prevent wind and water erosion.
• Lawns moderate soil and air temperatures.
• Lawns suppress growth of undesirable plants.
• Lawns create buffers.
• Lawns allow visibility.
• Lawns provide resilient living surfaces for outdoor activities.

Grass does all of these so well.

When thinking about alternatives, you should consider which of these purposes you need to satisfy, then determine whether anything else will work so well for you as grass.

As with any landscape plan, you'll need to assess your circumstances and choose your plants accordingly.  Consider your maximum and minimum seasonal temperatures, exposure to sun or shade, available water, slope, soil characteristics.

Almost any low-growing plant will help to prevent erosion, moderate temperatures, suppress weeds, create buffers and allow for visibility.  But fewer accommodate foot traffic in outdoor living spaces as well as grass.  Even grass has its limits.

The following plants tolerate some foot traffic, especially if planted around flag stones or pavers, and are easy to step over.  Some are drought-tolerant.  The list is not exhaustive.  The descriptions are very brief.

Acaena inermis.  Also known as New Zealand Bur.  Best varieties are 'Purpurea' and 'Blue Haze'.  Evergreen foliage of 'Purpurea' turns red in full sun.  Foliage of 'Blue Haze is blue-gray color.  Creamy white flowers in early summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 6-9.  Grows to 6" in height.  Drought tolerant.  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Acinos alpinus.  Also known as Alpine Calamint or Alpine Catmint.  Pinkish purple flower from spring to fall.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 5-10.  Height approx. 6".  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Ajuga reptans.  Also known as Carpet Bugleweed.  Bronze to variegated foliage.  Blue flowers on short spikes in spring.  Full sun to full shade.  USDA climate zones 3-9.  Well-drained soil.  Drought-tolerant.  Best varieties include 'Burgundy Glow' (3" to 4"), 'Chocolate Chip' (2" to 4"), 'Gaiety'/'Bronze Improved' (3" to 4").  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Arenaria balearica.  Also known as Mossy Sandwort.  Evergreen foliage.  White blooms in spring.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-11.  Grows to under 6" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Chrysogonum virginianum 'Pierre'.  Also known as Green and Gold.  Yellow flowers over green foliage.  Full sun to partial shade.  USDA climate zones 5-9.  Moist soil.  Grows 4" to 6" in height.  Low tolerance for foot traffic.


Cymbalaria aequitriloba.  Also known as Kenilworth Ivy.  Evergreen foliage.  White to purple flowers in spring to summer.  Light shade to full shade in USDA climate zones 7-10.  Drought tolerant.  Grows to 6".  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Euonymus fortunei 'Kewensis'.  Glossy green foliage only 1/4" to 5/8".  Full sun to full shade.  Drought-tolerant.  USDA climte zones 4-9.  Grows to 3".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Ficus pumila.  Also known as Creeping Fig.  Green or variegated foliage.  Can climb.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 8b-10.  Grows from 1/2" to 1 1/2" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Glechoma hederacea 'Variegata'.  Also known as Variegated Ground Ivy or Variegated Creeping Charlie.  Blue flowers spring to summer.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows to under 3".  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Herniaria glabra.  Also known as Green Carpet.  'Sea Foam' is a good variety.  Evergreen green or variegated leaves turn red in winter.  White flower.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 6-9 (some gardeners report success in zones 5 - 11).  Grows to 3".  High tolerance for foot traffic.

Houstonia caerulea.  Also known as Bluets.  Light blue flowers from spring to fall.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 3-8.  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides.  Also known as Pennywort.  Small white flowers in summer.  Requires moist soil.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 8-10.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Laurentia (Isotoma) fluviatilis.  Also known as Blue Star Creeper.  Blue flowers in spring.  Evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 5b to 10.  Grows to 3".  High tolerance for foot traffic.

Leptinella gruveri.  Also known as Brass Buttons.  The hybrid 'Platt's Black' is very beautiful.  Small yellow flowers in summer.  Forms dense evergreen carpet.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 8-10.  High tolerance for foot traffic.

Lotus corniculatus.  Also known as Bird Foot Trefoil.  Dense dark green mat.  Orange buds and yellow flowers from spring to fall.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows to 4".  High tolerance for foot traffic.

Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'.  Also known as Golden Creeping Jenny.  Low, mat-forming plant with gold leaves and yellow flowers.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 3-10.  Grows to 3".  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Mazus reptans.  Blue or white flowers in spring.  Fast-spreading.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 2" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Muehlenbeckia axillaris.  Also known as Creeping Wire Vine or Maidenhair Vine.  Low, mat-forming plant.  Small white flowers in summer.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 5-10.  Drought-tolerant.  Grows to 4".  High tolerance for foot traffic.

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'.  Also known as Dwarf Mondo Grass.  Evergreen, dark leaf blades 1/8" wide.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 6-10.  Grows to 3".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Phlox subulata.  Also known as Thrift or Creeping Phlox.  Pink, red, white, lavender flowers in early spring.  Tolerates drought and wide range of soil conditions.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows 4" to 6" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Potentilla neumanniana 'Nana'.  Also known as Creeping Cinquefoil.  Dark green leaves.  Evergreen.  Yellow flowers in late spring.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 5-10.  Grows to 3".   High tolerance for foot traffic.

Pratia angulata.  Also known as Star Creeper.  Dark green leaves.  White to blue flowers in spring.  Red fruit in fall.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 6-10.  Grows to 2".  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Pratia pendunculata.  Also known as Little Star Creeper.  Syn. Isotoma, Laurentia.  'County Park' and 'Tom Stone' are desirable varieties.  Blue to purple star-shaped flowers from spring to fall.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 7-10.  Grows to under 6".  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Rubus calycinoides.  Also known as Creeping Raspberry.  Dark green, puckered foliage.  Evergreen.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 6-10.  Grows to 2".  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Sagina subulata.  Also known as Scotch Moss.  Green or gold foliage with small white star-shaped flowers.  Forms low, dense mat.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 3".  High tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum album.  Also known as Baby Tears.  Teardrop-shaped green foliage turns red in fall.  White flowers in summer.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 4".  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum acre.  Also known as Gold Moss or Gold Stonecrop.  Soft yellow-green foliage turns red in winter.  Yellow flowers.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 4".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum hispanicum var. minus.  Also known as Blue Moss, Blue Stonecrop or Tiny Buttons.  Soft blue-gray groundcover produces small pink flowers in summer. Drought-tolerant.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 2-9.  Grows to 4".  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum lydium.  Also known as Mossy Stonecrop.  Succulent green leaves turn burgundy-red when stressed by drought or cold.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 5-9.  Grows to 4".  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum makinoi 'Ogon'.  Small evergreen foliage gold in color with pink shades.  Yellow-green flowers in spring.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 7-9.  Grows to 2" in height.  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum requieneii.  Also known as Miniature Stonecrop.  Very small green leaves and yellow star-shaped flowers in summer.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to less than 2".  Very durable.  High tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum spurium 'Dragon's Blood'.  Red and green variegated leaves in whorled clusters.  Red flowers in late summer.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-9. Grows to 3".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum spurium 'Fuldaglut'.  Semi-evergreen, bronze fleshy leaves whorled around the stem.  Turns burgundy in fall.  Pink-red flowers in summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows to 3" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum spurium 'John Creech'.  Semi-evergreen, fleshy foliage.  Pink flowers in early spring.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows to 2" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum spurium Tricolor'.  Variegated green, red and white foliage.  Evergreen.  Pink flowers in summer.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows to 4" in height.  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Sedum tetractinum.  Also known as Chinese Sedum.  Flat evergreen foliage, light green in color turns reddish in fall.  Yellow flowers in summer.  Drought tolerant.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 3" in height.  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus doerfleri 'Doone Valley'.  Also known as Wild Thyme or Doone Valley Thyme.  Lemon-scented golden variegated foliage is evergreen.  Produces lilac flowers in summer.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 4".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus praecox 'Elfin'.  Also known as Miniature Thyme.  Gray-green foliage forms tight mat.  Light pink flowers in summer.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 5-10.  Grows to under 2".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus praecox 'Pink Chintz'.  Gray-green fragrant foliage is evergreen.  Light pink flowers in summer.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows 1" to 3" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus praecox ' Coccineus'.  Also known as Red Creeping Thyme.  Scented foliage turns bronze in winter.  Red flowers in summer.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 4" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus praecox 'Albiflorus'.  Also known as Wild Thyme or White Creeping Thyme.  Scented evergreen foliage.  White flowers in summer.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 4" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus praecox 'Pseudolanuginosus'.  Also known as Wooly Thyme.  Scented gray foliage is evergreen.  Pink flowers in summer.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 3" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus citriodorus.  Also known as Creeping Lemon Thyme.  Green, lemon-scented foliage is evergreen.  Lilac flowers in summer.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 3" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus citriodorus 'Archer's Gold'.  Also known as 'Archer's Gold' Lemon Thyme or Creeping Lemon Thyme.  Bright gold, lemon-scented foliage is evergreen.  Lilac flowers in summer.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 3" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Thymus x 'Spicy Orange'.  Green, needle-like foliage is fragrant and evergreen.  Pink flowers in summer.  Drought-tolerant.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 2" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Trifolium repens 'Atropurpureum'.  Red-bronze evergreen foliage with green margin.  White flowers in spring and summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Excellent for erosion control.  Grows to under 6" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Veronica liwanensis.  Also known as Turkish Speedwell.  Evergreen, deep green color.  Blue flowers in summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-8.  Grows to under 4" in height.  Low tolerance for foot traffic.

Veronica penduncularis 'Georgia Blue'.  Evergreen foliage turns bronze in fall.  Blue flowers in spring.  Drought tolerant.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows 3" to 6".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Veronica repens 'Sunshine.'  Also known as 'Sunshine' Creeping Speedwell.  Yellow green foliage.  Bluish-white flowers in spring to summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 6-9.  Drought-tolerant.  Grows to 1" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Veronica surculosa 'Waterperry'.  Also known as 'Waterperry Blue'.  Lustrous semi-evergreen foliage turns bronze in winter.  Blue flowers in spring.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-8.  Grows to under 4".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Veronica x 'New Century'.  Evergreen, deep green color.  Foliage turns bronze in winter.  Blue flowers in summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 4".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Viola labradorica.  Also known as Labrador Violet.  Foliage changes color throughout seasons, green-blue-black.  Small lilac flowers from spring to fall.  Partial shade in USDA climate zones 3-8.  Grows to under 4".  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

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Wintercreeper - An Under-Rated Evergreen Ground Cover

Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei) is an under-rated, versatile broadleaf evergreen that grows in Zones 5-9. Depending on the cultivar, this ornamental shrub attains 2’ to 4’ in height and up to 5’ in width.

Euonymus is native to China, in a wetter climate than the United States typically. It naturally prefers moist, well-drained soil conditions in partial shade. But it is a hardy plant, tolerating full sun, poor soils with a wide pH range in environments given to heat, drought, and pollution. In other words, it will probably grow in your yard.

Euonymus fortunei is semi-evergreen to evergreen with unremarkable but pleasantly lustrous, dark green 1” to 3” long leaves. The most common cultivars are more remarkable, variegated with shades of white or gold around each leaf’s margin. Depending on the cultivar, leaves will fade to colors including red, purple, bronze, gray or pink. Because some are semi-evergreen, they keep their leaves in fall but may lose a few during winter. Euonymus can produce light yellow or green blooms in June or July, but you’ll have to look hard for them if they’re there at all.

Euonymus, whose name translates as “good name”, is found in two different forms: groundcover or shrub. Both are widely planted. I’ve seen them used for foundation and specimen plants, low hedges, edging, mass plantings, and even as climbers on trees and trellises. The foliage has a fairly thick density. Both forms have green stems that tan with age, but ground cover varieties’ grow outward, whereas shrub varieties’ grow vertically. Take note that regardless of it being a ground cover or a shrub, if the plant is placed near a vertical structure (brick wall, chain-link fence, tree, etc.) the stems will grip it and, like a short clinging vine, climb it. Either form grows moderately fast when it’s young, but slows with maturity. If you’re in a hurry for it to mature you should prune it frequently. Pruning in the spring encourages it to grow quickly.

Euonymus can be propagated by rooted stem cuttings, but they’re always available in containers. Plant in spring or fall. But if you can’t get around to planting until summer, that’s fine; just be sure you irrigate it frequently. Upon planting, spread mulch around it to control weeds and preserve moisture. To prevent new roots from freezing the first winter, particularly with the ‘Coloratus’ variety, mulch to 4" depth.

Euonymus is a great, easy and carefree plant until it gets old. With age or lack of vigor, it becomes more susceptible to crown gall and euonymus scale. Both afflictions are primarily cosmetic. Scale is the most common of the two. However, these problems don't progress quickly. You’ll have time to catch problems and begin treatment.

Scale is an insect that is easily treated with organic pesticides. Scale easy to spot because the stem and undersides of leaves will look like they're covered in powder or teeny-tiny turtle shells. The powder actually consists of hundreds of tiny white structures that house juice sucking bugs. Scale is a serious problem if found in a Euonymus mass planting because it spreads to other plants. As with all plants, keep your eyes open to potential problems.

Popular Euonymus fortunei varieties include:

• E. f. ‘Acutus’. The best Euonymus for a fast growing groundcover. Its deep green 1”-2” long egg-shaped leaves bronze in the winter. If you want it to stay at its mature 2’ height keep it away from a supporting structure and plant about a foot apart.
• E. f. 'Coloratus'. This woody groundcover, most frequently used for mass planting, grows 1' tall if not near a vertical structure. It will climb if the opportunity presents itself. Solid green foliage turns a very attractive red or heavy bronze in winter. Plant 8” to 12” apart.
• E. f. 'Gracilis'. (See the photo above.) Its half inch deep green ovoid leaves have a creamy edges which develop a burgundy tint in winter. This shrub grows about 1’ in height and 1.5’ feet in width in Zones 5-9 in full sun or shade. Plant at least 18” apart.
• E. f. 'Harlequin'. Perfect for mass planting as a ground cover. Variegated, evergreen foliage spaced compactly displays a burgundy hue in winter. Spreads horizontally, more or less, until it meets an obstacle, then may climb to 36" or more.
• E. f. 'Kewensis'. A very low growing (1" - 3” tall) variety that forms a thick dense mat and spreads slowly but indefinitely. Grows best in Zones 5-8 in sun or shade. Plant up to 3’ apart. Pea-sized leaves with the occasional white flower in June. It is great as a ground cover in small spaces, and is wonderful for bonsai.

Euonymus will be an asset to your garden. Some cultivars display beautiful fall color. It grows in virtually any soil condition as long as the soil is moist and well drained. It has few pests, and they're easily remedied. It has proven to be a beautiful, hardy, “plant it and forget it” shrub or ground cover all over the United States.

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