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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Euonymus fortunei ‘Moonshadow’

Moonshadow Wintercreeper

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.