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Euonymus Fortunei: How to Grow, Propagate, and Pinch Back Purple Winter Creeper - Page 3

© Kenneth Joergensen

Pinching will result in the growth of two new stems from the leaf axis (where the leaves meet the stem) right below the point of pinching. These stems will grow and produce several sets of leaves, and you can then pinch them back once more. By the time you are ready to move the cuttings outdoors, you will have a full plant with good branching.

Each pinch takes 3-4 weeks to produce new growth. The entire procedure takes 5-13 weeks depending on whether you pinch the cuttings back before moving them outdoors. Combine several cuttings in a pot to create the illusion of a fuller plant.

Protecting Against Euonymus Scales

This shrub is very susceptible to Euonymus Scales, or Unaspis euonymi, an armored scale that can cause complete defoliation or death to the plant. To protect the plants, maintain good plant vigor by fertilizing and watering adequately, encourage natural enemies such as lady bug beetles, or use pesticides. Merit (Imidacloprid) is not very effective.

Using horticultural oils, or a contact herbicide such as Sevin (carbaryl) or Dursban (chlorpyrifos) is much more effective. Use these at the crawler stage, typically in the period between the flowering of late tulips and early asiatic lilies. You can check for their activity by tapping branches over a white sheet of paper and scouting for orange, brown, or purple crawlers.

Euonymus fortunei var. Emerald Gaiety	New growth developing on layered branch	3 year old shrub	Tip cutting - note leaves pointing upwards	Bottom leaves removed from leaf nodes
Cuttings in striking mix	Flat with humidity dome. Bottom heat is optional.	New Growth	Branching after cutting back

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