Euonymus japonicus 'Golden Variegated'

Add instant, year-round color to your space with Golden Euonymus—an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves edged in vibrant yellow. It’s naturally dense, easy to prune into a neat shape, and ideal for entrances, patios, and border planting. A dependable choice for a clean, premium landscape look with minimal upkeep.

1. Basic Identification

Common Name: Golden Euonymus
Botanical Name: Euonymus japonicus
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0200
Alternative Names:
شمشار
Golden variegated

2. Taxonomy & Classification

Order: Celastrales
Family: Celastraceae
Genus: Euonymus
Species: E. japonicus

3. Origin & Distribution

Native to: Japan, China, Korea
Naturalized in: Eastern North America, Europe, other temperate regions
Distribution notes: Widely cultivated as an ornamental shrub; escapes cultivation in some areas

4. Visual Characteristics

Leaves: Opposite, glossy, elliptic, 2–6 cm long, with yellow margins; variegation more pronounced in bright light
Stems: Woody, green to brown; dense branching habit
Flowers: Small, inconspicuous, greenish-yellow, appearing in late spring to early summer
Fruit: Round capsules, turning pink to red, splitting to reveal orange seeds in autumn

5. Size & Dimensions

Height: 1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft), can reach up to 5 m in landscape conditions
Spread: 1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft)
Growth rate: Moderate (30–60 cm per year)

6. Light Requirements

Full sun to partial shade; best foliage variegation in full sun; tolerates light shade

7. Watering Needs

Moderate; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; drought tolerant once established; reduce frequency in winter

8. Soil & Potting

Soil type: Well-draining loam, clay or sandy soils
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0–7.5)
Potting mix: High-quality potting soil with good drainage; amend with perlite or bark

9. Temperature & Humidity

Hardiness: USDA zones 7–9
Temperature: Tolerates down to -15 °C (5 °F); prefers 10–30 °C (50–86 °F)
Humidity: Average garden humidity; no special requirements

10. Fertilization

Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; repeat mid-summer if needed; avoid fertilizing in winter

11. Maintenance & Care Level

Low to moderate; prune to shape after flowering; remove dead or diseased wood; mulch to conserve moisture

12. Growth & Propagation

Propagation: Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer; also by layering or seed
Growth habit: Dense, bushy, with compact branching

13. Common Problems

Pests: Scale insects, aphids, spider mites
Diseases: Powdery mildew, leaf spot, root rot in poorly drained soils
Environmental: Leaf scorch in extreme heat or dry conditions

14. Benefits & Uses

Ornamental hedge, border, foundation planting; topiary and container gardening; provides year-round color and structure

15. Toxicity & Safety

All parts moderately toxic if ingested; may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; keep away from children and pets