How to Care for Euonymus Americana

Choose a planting site suited to the needs of Euonymus americana shrubs. Select a flat, draining site beneath light to moderate shade. Avoid areas with full sun or dark shade because both will negatively impact the vigor and appearance of the shrub.

Amend the soil at the planting site to increase the nutrient content and acidity of the soil. Spread a 10-inch-thick layer of composted manure into the soil to a depth of 18 inches using a cultivating fork. Fully integrate the composted manure into an area measuring at least 3 feet across.

Plant the Euonymus americana shrub into the center of the amended soil. Dig a hole measuring twice the overall volume of the original planting container using a shovel. Slope the sides and bottom of the planting hole to create a bowl-like shape. Position the shrub so the base of the main trunk is level with the surrounding soil.

Water the Euonymus americana shrub thoroughly after planting it. Run water at the base of the shrub on low volume for five to 10 minutes, or until the soil is soaked at a depth of 6 inches. Water the shrub every 10 to 15 days for the first year after planting. Cease watering thereafter except during extreme drought or high heat.

Top-dress the soil around the base of the shrub each spring using composted manure. Spread a 1-inch-thick layer of the composted manure in a 12-inch radius around the main trunk. Water the shrub after top-dressing it to distribute the nutrients into the soil beneath.

Spread a 2-inch-thick layer of oak leaf or pine mulch beneath the Euonymus americana shrub each spring after top-dressing the soil. Make a 12-inch radius around the base of the shrub to help regulate moisture loss in the soil.

Prune the Euonymus americana shrub in late winter to help control its size, if desired. Cut back all the branches using clean, sharp pruning shears. Remove no more than one-third the length from each branch. Begin pruning for size the first winter after planting the shrub.