How Fast Do Euonymus Grow?
In the table below, you can see the most popular species of Euonymus, and their annual speed growth rates.
| Euonymus Species | Speed of Growth per Year | Size When Mature |
| American Euonymus (Euonymus americanus) | 20 inches (50 cm) | 6 feet (1,8 m) |
| Winged Euonymus (Euonymus alatus) | 24 inches (60 cm) | 20 feet (6 m) |
| Spindle Tree (Euonymus europaeus) | 18 inches (45 cm) | 20 feet (6 m) |
| Wintercreeper Euonymus (Euonymus fortunei) | 25 inches (63 cm) | 40 feet (12 m) |
| Evergreen Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus) | 12 inches (30 cm) | 15 feet (4,5 m) |
| Spreading Euonymus (Euonymus kiautschovicus) | 10 inches (25 cm) | 8 feet (2,4 m) |
As you can see, in most cases, Euonymus grows 10-24 inches (25-60 cm) per year, mostly in the first years. The most important factor is what Euonymus species you choose. The Wintercreeper Euonymus (Euonymus fortunei) is a climber. This species is normally about 0.5 feet (15 cm) high, but when it climbs, it can reach even 40 feet (12 m).
In the table, I considered the growth rate in the first 2-4 years, because, after this time, Euonymus species growth slows down rapidly down to a few inches per year.
The growth speed of Euonymus depends not only on the species, but also on sunlight, water, soil, temperature, and nutrients.
How Long Does it Take Euonymus to Reach Mature Size?
The time to reach mature size for Euonymus depends on its species. For example, the American Euonymus reaches its mature size in 10 years, and Evergreen Euonymus can grow even over 150 years.
Typically, shrubs like Euonymus reach their mature size in 2,3, or 4 years, depending on the species. After this time, they can grow about 10-20% bigger, but at a much slower tempo.
In the table below, you can see the most popular species of Euonymus, and in how many years they reach their mature size.
| Euonymus Species | Maturity Size |
| American Euonymus (Euonymus americanus) | 10 years |
| Winged Euonymus (Euonymus alatus) | 50 years |
| Spindle Tree (Euonymus europaeus) | 100 years |
| Wintercreeper Euonymus (Euonymus fortunei) | 30 years |
| Evergreen Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus) | 150 years |
| Spreading Euonymus (Euonymus kiautschovicus) | 30 years |
What Time of the Year Does Euonymus Grow the Most?
All Euonymus species grow the fastest during the summer. In the summer alone, an average Euonymus is able to grow about 7-14 inches (18-37 cm).
In the summer, Euonymus has the best conditions to grow. It has more sunlight than in any other season, perfect temperature, and enough rainfall to grow. Euonymus also grows in the spring, and fall, but its growth during these seasons is slower in comparison to summer. In the spring, and fall, they usually don’t grow more than 3-6 inches (7-15 cm), because the temperatures are lower, and they don’t get enough direct sunlight.
What Factors Determine the Growth Speed of Euonymus?
There are several factors that determine the growth speed of Euonymus. Some of them you can control by yourself, some are independent of you. If you pay attention to factors that you can control, you can significantly improve your shrub’s growth speed.
Light
Euonymus grows the fastest when it’s located in full sun to part shade. Thus, it’s the best if it’s planted in a sunny sport. Too much sun won’t burn its leaves, and it tends to grow fastest when it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Euonymus can tolerate full shade, and it won’t die, but it will slightly stunt its growth.
Water
Euonymus requires regular watering to grow properly, only when it’s newly planed. Therefore, you need to water it frequently, but not too deeply. On average, you should water a young Euonymus plant 2-3 times per week, or when the top inch of soil is dry. It’s enough to keep the soil moist. Make sure not to let it sit in the puddle. More established Euonymus doesn’t require to be watered that often, because it relies on its root system. However, if you want your shrub to grow properly, you should water it once a week deeply. The plant is drought tolerant, and won’t die if you don’t water it often, but it will certainly look better, and grow faster.
Soil
Euonymus isn’t demanding when it comes to soil. It thrives in slightly acidic, and compost-rich soil. However, it grows fast also in alkaline soil. It can grow well in heavy clay soil, light soil or even soil mixed with chalk, but not in poorly drained wet sites.
Temperature
This shrub prefers temperatures of 4-9 US planting zones. Therefore, in the summer, Euonymus grows the fastest when the temperature is between 53–68 °F (12-20 °C). When the temperature is higher, this plant tends to slow down its growth. The optimal temperatures for Euonymus at night are 53-39 °F (12-4 °C). It’s a hardy plant that can withstand 10 °F (-12 °C).
Nutrients
Usually, Euonymus doesn’t need fertilizers for its growth and development but it can be added if you are growing for the purpose of hedging in landscape gardening during the first year only. A 20-20-20 fertilizer is recommended. You can buy one from Amazon here. It is a major essential nutrient fertilizer that can be added twice to the young plants, once in the spring and then in early winter.
How Can You Make Euonymus Grow Faster?
If you want to speed up the growth of your Euonymus, you can stick to the rules below. They will make your shrub grow about 10% quicker.
- Add compost to your soil- It enriches the soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests.
- Apply fertilizer-You can use organic fertilizer, like manures, compost, bone meal, or chemical one. They will provide nutrients and make the growth faster.
- Water regularly-Water the Euonymys, so the soil is moist, and don’t let it ever dry out. Make rue not to overwater the plant.
- Plant in the right location-The plant shouldn’t be in full shade if you want it to grow fast. It shouldn’t receive less than 6 hours of sun per day.
- Bury banana peels in the soil-Banana peels are rich in potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. They will boost growth and provide health to your plant.
- Compost tea-Dilute the tea in water in the ratio of 1:4 and spray it directly into the soil using a sprayer or water can. It allows plants to grow stronger and quicker.
What are the Other Faster Growing Bushes?
If you’re looking for a fast-growing bush, you can also consider these:
- Schip Laurel- 24 inches (60 cm) per year
- Weigela-13-24 inches (33-60 cm) per year
- Forsythia– 24 inches (60 cm) per year
- Red Twig Dogwood– 24 inches (60 cm) per year
- Leylandii– 24-35 inches (60-110 cm) per year
- Privet– 24 inches (60 cm) per year
Sources
hgic.clemson.edu, thespruce.com, plantaddicts.com, hgtv.com, picturethisai.com