The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
‘Emerald Gaiety’ is a cultivar of abroadleaf evergreen shrub called wintercreeper euonymus.
The leaves might take on a tinge of pink in the fall and winter.
Like most plants in the Euonymus genus, ‘Emerald Gaiety’ is toxic to humans and animals.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Emerald Gaiety Wintercreeper Care
Here are the basic care requirements for growing this shrub.
Light
Variegated forms of euonymus such as ‘Emerald Gaiety’ prefer partial sun to partial shade conditions.
It does not do well in wet soil.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
A brief rainfall or watering every few weeks is all that’s required for mature plants.
Ice can sometimes cause damage in winter, but the plants easily recover.
Fertilizer
‘Emerald Gaiety’ generally thrives without any feeding at all.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Applying fertilizer in the fall over the root zone in poor soil might increase the plant’s vigor.
To shape this plant, do so immediately after the plant blooms in late spring.
Keep long stems trimmed if you want to grow ‘Emerald Gaiety’ as a screen or informal hedge.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Propagating ‘Emerald Gaiety’ Wintercreeper
‘Emerald Gaiety’ is easily propagated with semi-hardwood cuttings.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Euonymus plants are highly susceptible toscale insects.
A second generation of crawlers is produced from late July through August.
Spraying crawlers with organic insecticidal soap, likeneem oil, is often effective in controlling scale insect infestations.
This plant can also contract the soil-inhabiting bacteria that causes crown gall.
Prune out, rake up, and destroy all affected parts of the plant.
Properly discard the debris to stop the spread.
Though this wintercreeper is as tough as nails, stay on the lookout for these issues.
These shoots should be pruned off as soon they appear.
Otherwise, the entire plant can revert to all-green foliage and lose its distinctive creamy white variegation.
Invasive Behavior
‘Emerald Gaiety’ euonymus' main challenge is to control its spread.
Also, remove any shoots spreading out from the root ball.
Spots on Leaves
If you see spots on leaves, it is likely a fungal disease.
Powdery mildew shows up as flat white and gray spots along with yellowing leaves.
Cercospora leaf spot and anthracnose have irregular brown spots.
Scab presents as small raised orangey, waxy spots.
Look for rounded and rough growths and prune with sterilized sheers.
The bacteria may remain in the soil for a few years.
You don’t need to do too much to care for ‘Emerald Gaiety’ ground cover.
This wintercreeper grows about 1 to 4 inches per year.
This evergreen plant maintains its green and white color during the winter.
North Carolina State Extension.
Euonymus Fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’.Missouri Botanical Garden.
Euonymus Diseases & Insect Pests.University of Clemson Extension.
