Abstract: The effects of different shading treatments(0, 30%, 60% and 80% of full sunlight) on the growth and photosynthetic physiological characteristics of Euonymus fortunei 'Hongmai’ were studied. The results indicated that Euonymus fortunei was a shade-loving plant with low light-saturation point(606.4 μmol·m^-2· s^-1) and low light-compensation point(32.6 μmol·m^-2· s^-1). The curve of diurnal variation of leaf photosynthesis showed two peaks in a day, under full light with 'Wuxiu’phenomenon, the total Pn value of full sunlight was lower than that of shading treatment, the branches and leaves grew slow. After shading treatment, there was only one Pn peak was a single curve and the peak was high after shading(30%-60% of full sunlight). Under weak light stress, the Pn and transpiration were higher, the branch and leaves grew quicking, the leaf mass reduecd and leaf thinner, but the leaf tissue were normal, the content of chlorophyll increased and leaf color was dark green, thus increasing the ornamental value in weak light stress than in full light. A moderate amount of shade will favarable to the growth and development.

Key words: Euonymus fortunei ( Turcz. ) Hand.-Mazz, Shading treatment, Growth, Photosynthetic characteristics