winter creeper
Euonymus fortunei
winter creeper (Euonymus fortunei) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 36 in tall and 18–24 in wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Fire-wise zone 1-2 perennial; ignitability rating 8.0/10.
Colorado nativeOn the CSFS firewise listmedium water36 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Euonymus fortunei
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 36 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- white, green
- Bloom time
- mid spring
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Common problems on the Front Range
- Euonymus scale (can be severe)
- Crown gall
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is winter creeper good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, winter creeper is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting winter creeper?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- How big does winter creeper get?
- It matures to about 36 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant winter creeper?
- Space winter creeper about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is winter creeper hardy on the Front Range?
- winter creeper is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does winter creeper need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- Is winter creeper safe for dogs?
- No. winter creeper is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is winter creeper deer-resistant?
- winter creeper is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is winter creeper a good firewise plant near the house?
- winter creeper is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Is winter creeper prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- winter creeper can be affected by euonymus scale (can be severe) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
- How long does winter creeper bloom?
- winter creeper blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
