Winged Spindle

Also known as Burning Bush, Euonymus alatus is a medium-sized, spreading, deciduous shrub with a bushy habit, chiefly grown for its stunning autumn colour. It gets its common name from the corky ‘wings’ which develop on the stems and branches. The leaves are oval and deep-green, and turn a wonderful crimson colour before leaf-fall. The flowers are greenish and inconspicuous, and are followed in autumn by typical spindle fruits, crimson in colour, splitting open to reveal contrasting orange seeds. Though tolerant of all soil types, winged spindle is particularly good in alkaline soil.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any reasonably well drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Spring, summer, and particularly autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 6’6” (2m) Spread: 8’ (2.5m)