Botanical profile

Euonymus fortunei 'Sunrise'

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

Euonymus fortunei 'Sunrise' is a very decorative evergreen shrub, renowned for its warm and luminous variegated foliage that brings a vibrant touch to landscapes all year round. It forms a dense, spreading, and well-branched habit, making it an excellent shrubby groundcover for borders, embankments, rockeries, and mass plantings. Its dark green foliage, broadly edged with golden yellow and sometimes tinged with cream, maintains beautiful intensity and can take on slight pinkish hues in winter depending on exposure. Not very floriferous and discreet, it is primarily appreciated for the stability and visual impact of its evergreen foliage. Very hardy and well-suited to Quebec conditions, Euonymus fortunei 'Sunrise' is easy to maintain, tolerant, and ideal for sustainably structuring the garden with color and contrast.

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 edged with golden yellow (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.