There are 60 different forms of Euonymus available from American sources. They range from evergreen shrubs, such as E. japonicus , to evergreen vines, such as E. fortunei or Wintercreeper, to deciduous groundcovers, such as E. obovata . All Euonymus species prefer full sun or light shade and fertile, moist, well-drained soil. They do not tolerate waterlogged soil. For more information on growing Euonymus refer to HGIC fact sheet 1063 .
Powdery mildew is the most common and possibly the most difficult disease to control on Euonymus.
It is caused by the fungus Oidium euonymi-japonici . Symptoms consist of a flat, white to gray growth primarily on the upper surfaces of the leaves, which can be rubbed off easily. Leaves may yellow slightly and drop, but heavy leaf drop is not a characteristic symptom. On young shoots leaves can become curled and scarred if infection is severe. Remove and destroy fallen leaves.