The Manhattan Euonymus (Euonymus kiautschovicus ‘Manhattan’) is a durable, broadleaf evergreen shrub valued in landscaping for its dense, glossy dark green foliage. This fast-growing cultivar is frequently used to create year-round privacy hedges, screens, or foundation plantings. It is well-regarded for its hardiness, adapting to a range of environmental conditions once established. The shrub’s appeal comes from its reliable performance and relative ease of care.
Establishing the Shrub: Site and Soil Needs
Proper site selection maximizes the plant’s health and growth potential. The shrub performs well in a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Full sun exposure helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew. If planting in extremely hot climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
The best soil for this cultivar is well-draining, as it tolerates various compositions but cannot handle consistently wet roots. The shrub thrives in soils that range from slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage and nutrient retention.
The timing and method of planting are important for building a strong root system. Planting is often best done in early spring or fall, especially in regions with mild winters. When planting for a dense privacy hedge, space shrubs approximately four to six feet apart to allow their branches to interlock as they grow. Applying a two-to-three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base helps conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperature fluctuations, but keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk.
Essential Ongoing Care
The first year requires consistent moisture while the shrub develops its root system. Water the plant deeply once or twice per week, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but never waterlogged. Once the Manhattan Euonymus is established, it becomes more resilient. It requires supplemental watering only during extended dry spells, as it is not considered fully drought-tolerant.
Routine pruning is necessary to control the shrub’s size and maintain a desired shape. Pruning should be performed in early spring before new growth begins, or in winter for substantial shaping. For a formal hedge, shear the new growth to create a dense, uniform screen, but avoid removing more than one-third of the foliage at one time. If a natural look is preferred, selectively thinning out older, inner branches promotes better air circulation.
Fertilizing the Manhattan Euonymus is done in early spring before the flush of new growth. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreen shrubs, such as a 10-10-10 blend. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, extending out to the drip line, and water thoroughly. Established shrubs may only require one annual feeding, but younger plants benefit from consistent nutrients to encourage their fast growth rate.
Identifying and Treating Common Issues
The most common insect pest for Euonymus species is the Euonymus scale (Unaspis euonymi). Infestation is identified by small, white, waxy spots on the stems and leaves (the male scales), and brown, oyster-shell-like spots (the females). These sap-feeding insects cause yellow spotting on the leaves. If left untreated, this leads to leaf drop and eventual branch dieback.
Treatment is most effective when targeting the vulnerable crawler stage, the newly hatched, mobile nymphs that typically appear in late spring and early summer. Horticultural oils, also known as summer or supreme oils, are an effective treatment because they smother the insects and their eggs. Apply a dormant oil application in late winter or early spring to kill overwintering adult females on the stems before the crawlers emerge.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, dusty coating on the leaves, especially in shaded or humid conditions. Prevention involves ensuring good air circulation through proper spacing and selective pruning of dense areas. If mildew appears, a fungicide or a mix of baking soda and water can be applied to the foliage. Maintaining proper watering and fertility is the best preventative measure.