Euonymus japonicus ‘Président Gauthier’
Price range: £9.50 through £22.00
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Description
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Variegated Japanese Spindle, President Gauthier Euonymus
- Botanical Name: Euonymus japonicus ‘Président Gauthier’
- Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
- Mature Height: 1.5–2.5m (can be kept smaller with clipping)
- Mature Spread: 1–2m
- Foliage: Glossy green leaves with broad creamy-white margins; fresh, bright year-round colour
- Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy in most of UK & Ireland)
- Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerant once established
- Aspect: Full sun to partial shade
- Maintenance: Low (or moderate if clipped as a hedge/topiary)
Description
Euonymus japonicus ‘Président Gauthier’ is one of the best evergreen shrubs for instant brightness. With glossy green leaves edged in creamy white, it brings a clean, lifted look to borders all year—like a little splash of light that never fades, even through winter.
It’s naturally dense and well-behaved, making it incredibly versatile: leave it to grow into a handsome, upright shrub, clip it into a neat hedge, or use it as a structural evergreen in pots by an entrance. The variegation is bold and generous, giving strong contrast without looking fussy, and it pairs beautifully with everything from deep greens and purples to soft pastels and silvery foliage.
Hardy and reliable in Irish and UK gardens, ‘Président Gauthier’ copes well with coastal conditions, urban gardens, and exposed sites once established. It’s a brilliant choice when you want year-round structure with a brighter, more contemporary feel—especially in winter borders where evergreen colour really matters.
Caragh Garden Notebook
Planting:
Space plants 80cm–1.5m apart depending on whether you want a single specimen or a hedge. Plant container-grown specimens year-round, ideally in spring (March–May) or early autumn (September–October). Choose a position in full sun to partial shade—sun gives the crispest variegation, while partial shade is ideal in very exposed or windy gardens. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot, loosen the soil well, and incorporate compost to support establishment. Plant at the same depth as in the pot, firm in gently, water thoroughly, and mulch.
Space plants 80cm–1.5m apart depending on whether you want a single specimen or a hedge. Plant container-grown specimens year-round, ideally in spring (March–May) or early autumn (September–October). Choose a position in full sun to partial shade—sun gives the crispest variegation, while partial shade is ideal in very exposed or windy gardens. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot, loosen the soil well, and incorporate compost to support establishment. Plant at the same depth as in the pot, firm in gently, water thoroughly, and mulch.
Soil Preparation:
Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is very adaptable. Tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils as long as drainage is reasonable. Improve heavy clay with organic matter to help drainage; improve sandy soils with compost to retain moisture. Once established, it is tolerant of short dry spells. Mulch annually to conserve moisture and feed the soil.
Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is very adaptable. Tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils as long as drainage is reasonable. Improve heavy clay with organic matter to help drainage; improve sandy soils with compost to retain moisture. Once established, it is tolerant of short dry spells. Mulch annually to conserve moisture and feed the soil.
Container Growing:
Excellent in pots and planters. Use a generous container with good drainage holes and a quality compost. Water regularly, especially in the first year and during dry spells. Feed in spring with a slow-release fertiliser to keep foliage lush and glossy. Top-dress annually with fresh compost.
Excellent in pots and planters. Use a generous container with good drainage holes and a quality compost. Water regularly, especially in the first year and during dry spells. Feed in spring with a slow-release fertiliser to keep foliage lush and glossy. Top-dress annually with fresh compost.
Seasonal Care / Pruning:
Low maintenance if left as a shrub—remove any dead or damaged growth in spring. If using as a hedge or topiary, clip 1–2 times per year (late spring and late summer) to maintain a crisp shape. Avoid hard pruning in late autumn, as soft new growth can be damaged by cold snaps.
Low maintenance if left as a shrub—remove any dead or damaged growth in spring. If using as a hedge or topiary, clip 1–2 times per year (late spring and late summer) to maintain a crisp shape. Avoid hard pruning in late autumn, as soft new growth can be damaged by cold snaps.
Reversion (Keep the Variegation):
Occasionally, a shoot may appear with plain green leaves. Remove these promptly by cutting back to where the variegated growth begins, as green shoots can be more vigorous.
Occasionally, a shoot may appear with plain green leaves. Remove these promptly by cutting back to where the variegated growth begins, as green shoots can be more vigorous.
Pests & Problems:
Generally trouble-free. In mild winters, keep an eye out for scale insects on stems and leaf undersides. Good airflow and healthy, unstressed plants reduce problems.
Generally trouble-free. In mild winters, keep an eye out for scale insects on stems and leaf undersides. Good airflow and healthy, unstressed plants reduce problems.
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