Euonymus japonicus 'Kathy' Hedge (Euonymus 'Kathy')

Euonymus japonicus Kathy Hedge Plants Description

Euonymus japonicus 'Kathy' is a compact, evergreen Japanese Spindle variety grown for its attractive creamy-white variegated foliage. The glossy oval leaves feature rich green centres surrounded by broad cream margins, creating year-round colour even during the winter months when many other shrubs lose their interest.

Its naturally dense branching habit makes it an excellent choice for low formal hedges, boundary planting, pathways and ornamental borders. Unlike flowering hedges that provide seasonal displays, 'Kathy' delivers reliable evergreen structure and colour throughout the year with very little maintenance.

This hardy shrub performs well in most UK gardens and tolerates coastal exposure, urban pollution, wind and a wide range of soil types provided they are reasonably well drained. While it grows happily in partial shade, planting in full sun encourages the brightest cream variegation.

Growth Rate

Euonymus 'Kathy' has a moderate growth rate of approximately 20–40cm per year. Left unpruned, it can eventually reach around 2 metres, although it is easily clipped to maintain neat hedges between 0.5 and 1.5 metres tall.

Please note: All parts of Euonymus japonicus are considered toxic if eaten by people or pets.

Euonymus 'Kathy' responds very well to trimming and is ideal for formal hedging.

Trim once in late spring after the first flush of growth and again in early autumn if required to maintain a neat, dense hedge.

Light tip pruning encourages bushier growth while helping the plant retain its attractive compact form. Remove any damaged, dead or inward-growing stems whenever necessary to improve airflow through the plant.

Avoid heavy pruning late in autumn, as fresh new growth may be vulnerable to winter frost.

Further Information

Recommended planting density depends on how quickly you would like your hedge to establish.

• Plant 3 plants per metre for a relaxed hedge.
• Plant 5 plants per metre for a fuller hedge.
• Plant 6–7 plants per metre in a staggered double row for the fastest screening effect.

Euonymus 'Kathy' is an excellent alternative to Box hedging where year-round evergreen colour, low maintenance and improved resilience are desired. It is suitable for formal gardens, contemporary landscapes, coastal planting and mixed evergreen borders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Euonymus 'Kathy' evergreen?

Yes. Euonymus japonicus 'Kathy' is a fully evergreen shrub that provides attractive variegated foliage throughout the year.

How tall does Euonymus 'Kathy' grow?

If left untrimmed, it can reach around 2 metres, although it is commonly maintained between 0.5 and 1.5 metres as a hedge.

Does Euonymus 'Kathy' grow in shade?

Yes. It tolerates partial shade, but the cream variegation is usually brightest when grown in full sun or light shade.

Is Euonymus 'Kathy' suitable for coastal gardens?

Yes. It tolerates coastal conditions, wind and exposed sites, making it suitable for many UK coastal gardens.

How often should Euonymus 'Kathy' be pruned?

One or two trims each year are usually enough to keep the hedge compact, tidy and densely branched.

What is the best spacing for Euonymus 'Kathy' hedging?

For most hedges, plant 3–5 plants per metre, increasing density if you want faster coverage.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.