Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Euonymus fortunei ‘Moonshadow’
Moonshadow Wintercreeper
- Family
- Celastraceae
- Height
- 1 to 2 feet
- Width
- 12 to 24 inches, spreads as a groundcover
- Flower color
- Inconspicuous, greenish-white
- Foliage color
- Green with bright yellow centers
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune as needed to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Provides habitat and cover for small wildlife, though not a major pollinator attractor
About this plant
Euonymus fortunei 'Moonshadow' is an evergreen shrub known for its vibrant foliage. The leaves have a unique two-tone appearance, with a creamy yellow center surrounded by dark green margins. This eye-catching variegation adds year-round color and interest to gardens and landscapes. Although primarily grown for its foliage, it may produce small, inconspicuous flowers in the late spring to early summer, followed by pinkish fruit in autumn.
Native to East Asia, 'Moonshadow' was developed as a cultivar for ornamental use, especially in temperate gardens. Its versatile nature makes it suitable for use as ground cover, in borders, or even as a climbing vine on walls or trellises. Its evergreen foliage ensures that it provides visual appeal throughout all seasons, making it a popular choice for low-maintenance, decorative gardening.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Borders · Containers · Pathways & Walkways
Companion plants
Barberry · Butterfly bush · Feverfew · False sunflower · Chives · Snow-in-summer
Design tip
The reversed variegation, creamy yellow centers framed by dark green margins, gives ‘Moonshadow’ a bolder, more graphic appearance than many wintercreepers. Use it where its patterned foliage can be viewed up close, such as edging a walkway or spilling slightly over a low wall.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the gardens at the Allison Inn.
