Euonymus can grow well in pots, and growing this leafy perennial in a container makes it possible to enjoy this plant in various locations in the yard. Growing Euonymus in pots also makes it possible to enjoy varieties rated for hardiness zones outside your growing area. Container-grown Euonymus can add color and texture to a front porch, balcony, or patio space. Euonymus is easy to maintain, but it is a fast grower that can easily overtake an area. Plants grown in containers will need more attention than plants in the ground, but the striking foliage is worth the effort.
Planting Euonymus in Pots
There are a lot of options when choosing a container for Euonymus, but make sure the container has drainage. Potted plants may need water daily or every few days, depending on the climate. Containers made from terracotta are porous and allow the soil to dry out quickly, so the plant will need water more often. Other container materials, like metal or plastic, will retain moisture longer. Potted Euonymus plants need full sun, and one plant can live comfortably in a 14- to 16-inch container for a few years.
Best Soil For Euonymus in Pots
Potting soil formulated for garden plants or soil high in organic content is ideal for potted Euonymus plants. This perennial prefers slightly acidic soil. The soil should be well-draining because this plant is not tolerant of soggy soil. Euonymus does not like to sit in standing water, so not only must the soil promote drainage, but the pot needs to have drainage holes so excess water can run off.
Caring For Euonymus in Planters
Care for Euonymus plants in containers is similar to what these plants need when used in a bed, border, or as a specimen in a landscape. Plant in full sun to partial shade, but plants in full sun will likely grow faster and larger. Trim as needed to maintain the shape and size of the plant.
Watering Euonymus in Pots
Water when the top few inches of soil are dry; depending on the weather and the region, this can be daily or weekly. Increase how often you water potted Euonymus plants during a dry spell. Wintercreeper and Burning Bush prefer conditions on the dry side, and they are drought tolerant once established, but they still need water to thrive and look their best. Water until the soil is saturated and excess water drains through the pot.
Fertilizing Euonymus in Pots
Euonymus is not a heavy feeder, and fertile soil will support new growth, but applying a balanced, water-soluble plant food monthly during the growing season can be beneficial. Container-grown plants need water more often, which causes nutrients in the soil to be rinsed away. Routine applications of fertilizer replenish the nutrients and keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Winter Care For Euonymus in Pots
The easy-going nature that makes Euonymus a gardener favorite during the growing season continues during the winter. This plant requires little winter care, but potted plants should be brought into a protected area at the lower end of its growing range. Potted plants are more prone to damage from freezing temperatures, so moving the plant into a shed, garage, or basement can be enough to protect the plants from the winter chill.
Growing Euonymus Indoors
Euonymus are lovely outdoor plants and typically don’t make the best houseplants. Some varieties of Euonymus are deciduous and drop their leaves in the winter, so they are not very visually appealing during the colder months. Other types are broadleaf evergreens and will keep their colorful foliage during winter. This plant needs a lot of sunlight to look its best, and sufficient light is not always available during the winter. It is generally best to let these plants go dormant for the winter and pick things back up in the spring.
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Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 07-14-2022 |