Purple Wintercreeper

Purple Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus')

Purple Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus') is a durable, low-growing evergreen groundcover known for its dense foliage and remarkable color transitions. This versatile plant spreads quickly to form a lush mat of greenery, turning a deep purple-red in cold weather for added winter interest.

Distinctive Features

'Coloratus' features oval, glossy green leaves that develop a striking purplish hue in fall and winter. It grows close to the ground, typically reaching 6 to 12 inches in height, but can also climb walls or structures if left unchecked. Its tight growth habit makes it highly effective at suppressing weeds and stabilizing soil on slopes or banks.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shade; color intensifies in sunnier locations
• Soil: Tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor or rocky sites
• Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Bold winter foliage color provides unexpected off-season interest
• Groundcover: Dense, spreading habit quickly covers open ground or erosion-prone areas
• Underplanting: Excellent beneath shrubs and trees where sun is limited
• Wall and Fence Coverage: Can climb and cling when support is available
• Urban Landscapes: Tolerates pollution and compacted soils, making it ideal for city gardens

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; occasional supplemental watering thereafter
• Pruning: Trim to shape or control spread; can be cut back aggressively if needed
• Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring to support lush growth
• Mulching: Use mulch to conserve moisture and reduce competition
• Invasiveness Note: Can spread aggressively in favorable conditions�monitor and edge regularly if containment is needed

Why Choose Purple Wintercreeper?

• Year-Round Interest: Evergreen foliage shifts to purple in cooler months
• Adaptable and Vigorous: Grows well in sun or shade and a wide range of soils
• Low Growing Habit: Provides clean, weed-suppressing coverage without height concerns
• Erosion Control: Ideal for banks, hillsides, and problem slopes
• Focal Point: Its seasonal foliage color adds unexpected vibrance to foundation beds or shaded areas

Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' delivers dependable, low-maintenance coverage with colorful appeal, making it a go-to groundcover for challenging garden spaces and year-round performance.