Euonymus alatus - Burning Bush

The Euonymus alatus is a small bush with a spherical habit, whose fairly ordinary, tender green foliage ignites in autumn and takes on a dark red and flamboyant purple colour. It is named the Winged Euonymus, due to the cork wings that run along its branches.

Originating from Asia, this beautiful 2m (6.56 ft) tall slow-growing bush is perfectly hardy. It has a compact habit, with winged branches featuring 4 prominent and thin cork bands. The green leaves turn dark red and brilliant purple in autumn and measure 5 to 8cm (2 - 3.1in) in length. An insignificant flowering of small whitish-green flowers gives way to highly decorative reddish-purple berries measuring 1cm (0.4in) in diameter, containing a toxic orange seed.

Euonymus alatus is easy to grow. It thrives in any well-drained soil, in a sunny or partly shaded position. Pruning is unnecessary, it is better to pinch the young plants to encourage branching and only remove dead or diseased wood.

The Euonymus alatus can be used in shrub borders, creating contrasting effects with bronze fennel, barberry, or variegated holly. In hedges, it brightens up with its brilliant autumn colour, and in small groups, it draws attention and adds depth to the garden.

Tips: Water during dry spells to maintain beautiful foliage.