Botanical profile

Euonymus fortunei 'Moonshadow'

Latin name
Euonymus fortunei 'Moonshadow'
Common name
Creeping spindle tree 'Moonshadow'
Type
Shrubby groundcover
Family
Celastraceae

Euonymus fortunei 'Moonshadow' is a highly decorative evergreen shrub, prized for its contrasting variegated foliage and great versatility in landscaping. It develops a dense, spreading, and well-branched habit, making it an excellent shrubby groundcover for borders, embankments, rockeries, and mass plantings. Its dark green foliage features a luminous golden yellow center, offering a crisp and elegant contrast that remains attractive all year round. In cold weather, the leaves can take on subtle pinkish hues, adding extra seasonal interest. Undemanding and robust, it tolerates pruning well and can also be used as a small low shrub or espaliered against a support. Very hardy and well adapted to Quebec conditions, Euonymus fortunei 'Moonshadow' is a reliable choice for durably structuring spaces with color and texture.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 4–8
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Moderate
Fertilization
Light in spring
Soil type
Tolerant, well-drained
Minimum temperature
-34°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer
Flower color
Subtle greenish tint
Fruiting
Rare, inconspicuous, undecorative capsules
Foliage color
Dark green with a golden-yellow center (pinkish hues possible in winter)
Foliage type
Persistent
Shape
Dense, spreading, shrubby groundcover
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
0.6–0.9 m (2–3 ft)
Width
1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft)
Growth rate
Moderate
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Deer
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer

Deer

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.