White Album® Wintercreeper

The White Album® Wintercreeper, a type of Euonymus fortunei, is an evergreen shrub that brings a unique blend of aesthetics and resilience to gardens and landscapes. Exhibiting a short stature, it typically reaches a height of 18 to 24 inches and spreads out equally between 18 to 24 inches, providing a mounded appearance. Its foliage is a striking combination of green and white, with the variegated leaves exhibiting a prominent cream-colored border. Though it doesn't primarily bloom for its flowers, when it does, they are of a subtle green hue, blending seamlessly with its variegated foliage.

This shrub thrives under conditions of part sun to full sun, making it versatile in terms of placement within a garden. Remarkably easy to maintain, the White Album® has a water requirement that's average and can be grown as a ground cover or integrated into mass plantings for a lush effect. Notably, the shrub is adaptable to various pH levels and can tolerate most soil types, barring extremely wet ones. Its robust nature allows it to withstand rigorous pruning, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer manicured green spaces.

The White Album® Wintercreeper offers a multitude of landscaping uses, thanks to its striking variegated foliage and adaptable growing requirements:

1. Groundcover: With its consistent growth habit and spread, the White Album® Wintercreeper can be effectively used as a groundcover, providing a vibrant carpet of green and white in gardens, especially in shady areas.
2. Mass Plantings: This shrub is an excellent choice for mass plantings, where its uniform appearance and variegated leaves can create a lush, cohesive visual effect.
3. Border Planting: The cream-colored perimeter of its leaves makes it a perfect choice for border plantings, serving as a natural divider between different garden sections or as an edge along pathways.
4. Focal Point: Its distinct variegation can serve as a focal point in a garden or landscape design, drawing attention and adding visual interest.
5. Containers: Due to its manageable size and mounded growth habit, the White Album® Wintercreeper can be a stellar choice for container gardens, either as a standalone plant or combined with other complementary species.
6. Brightening Shady Areas: The shrub's bright, variegated leaves are ideal for adding a splash of color to dim or shady spots, making these areas pop and appear more lively.
7. Wildlife Garden: While it's primarily grown for foliage, its subtle green flowers can attract beneficial insects, making it a suitable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

When considering its landscaping uses, it's also crucial to note its adaptability. The White Album® Wintercreeper is tolerant of various soil conditions (except extremely wet ones) and can handle both part sun and full sun, making it a versatile addition to diverse garden designs and landscape themes.

Planting Instructions:

1. Site Selection: Choose a site that gets part sun to full sun. While the plant is adaptable, it performs best in these conditions.
2. Soil Preparation: The shrub is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. However, ensure that the soil is well-draining. Extremely wet conditions can be detrimental.
3. Planting Depth: Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant's root ball and just as deep. Position the plant such that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
4. Backfilling: Refill the hole with soil, gently pressing down to remove air pockets.
5. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.

Care Instructions:

1. Watering: Maintain an average watering routine. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
2. Pruning: The White Album® Wintercreeper withstands heavy pruning. It's best to prune in early spring to shape the plant and promote denser growth. If you notice any reversions to the original green form, prune these out to maintain the variegated appearance.
3. Fertilizing: If faster growth is desired, apply a granular fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs in early spring.
4. Leaf Spot Resistance: This variety boasts superior leaf spot resistance, but always be on the lookout for any signs of disease and treat accordingly.
5. Maintenance: Tolerant of most soils, it's also pH adaptable. While it's generally low-maintenance, always keep an eye out for any potential pest infestations or diseases and address them promptly.
6. Zone Restrictions: It's vital to note that White Album® Wintercreeper is restricted and cannot be shipped to certain states, including IN, MD, and NY. Always ensure you're compliant with local guidelines when planting.