Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin'

This compact evergreen shrub features small, rounded leaves splashed with creamy white and green, often tinged pink in cooler months. Euonymus fortunei ‘Harlequin’ is low-growing and bushy, making it perfect for ground cover, edging, or container planting. Its variegated foliage provides visual interest throughout the year and adds a bright, cheerful touch to borders and shaded corners.

Euonymus fortunei ‘Harlequin’, commonly known as Harlequin Spindle or Variegated Wintercreeper, is a versatile and hardy choice for year-round structure. With its slow-growing, mounded form, it’s ideal for both formal and informal garden styles.

Scientific Name
Euonymus fortunei ‘Harlequin’ (named in honour of Scottish botanist Robert Fortune)

Synonyms
Euonymus radicans var. variegatus ‘Harlequin’ (outdated)

Common Name
Harlequin Spindle, Variegated Wintercreeper

Origin
Native to East Asia – China, Korea, Japan

Pruning Tips
Trim lightly in spring or summer to maintain a neat shape or size. Can also be clipped as topiary or low hedging. Remove any reverted green shoots to preserve variegation.

Wildlife Value
Offers shelter for insects and small garden wildlife but not especially valuable for pollinators due to inconspicuous flowers.

Positioning
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Brighter variegation is best maintained with some sunlight. Ideal for borders, raised beds, or containers. Tolerates coastal and urban conditions.

Water
Water regularly during the first season to establish roots, especially in dry spells. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant but prefers moist, well-drained soil.

Soil
Grows well in most well-drained soils, including chalky or clay soils. Not fussy about pH.

Food
Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Mulching annually will help retain moisture and improve soil structure.

Pet-safe
Toxic if ingested – keep out of reach of pets and children.

Sprouts Top Tips
To keep your plant looking its brightest, plant where it will catch some morning or evening sun. This brings out the pink and white tones in the foliage, especially in colder months.