Perennial of the Month

Euonymus Alatus Compacta
(Burning Bush)

Origin: The euonymus alatus compacta (burning bush) is native to Northeastern Asia and central China. This plant is a dense, bushy deciduous medium sized shrub with dark green leaves that turn a spectacular fire red in autumn. Its common name is the compact winged spindle tree named after the shape of the branches.

Size: The euonymus alatus compacta has a vase like appearance when young and becomes a rounder flat topped bush when mature. The plant tends to be broader than it is tall if un-pruned. The euonymus alatus compacta is a considerably slow growing bush, but if left unattended, it can reach up 8-10ft wide and nearly as tall. This bush responds very well to shaping and can maintain the size that you desire with annual pruning.

Blooming Time Span:
In late May and early June, the euonymus alatus compacta has miniature yellow-green flowers that are usually inconspicuous and hidden within the foliage. These plants rarely have fruit growth. For those shrubs that contain fruit, the fruit is small and also hidden within foliage.

Diseases/Insects:
None serious

Care Instructions:
Can be planted in full sun or full shade
Grows best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils in full sun light
Widely adaptable to all soil types
Well preserved during the winter
Not tolerant to water logged soils
Should be watered and / or mulched in hot dry conditions

Growing Zones (Hardiness) for Euonymus Alatus Compacta:

Temperature and placement can affect the growth habit of your plant. Hardiness is the ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions. The chart below indicates the temperature range in which your plant will fair the best, given the specified zone within which it’s located.

Please keep in mind that location can change how the temperature affects the plant. If the plant is planted to the south of your residence, the cold winter winds will not affect the plant in the same way that planting it to the north or west would..

Hardiness for Euonymus Alatus Compacta:
USDA Zone 4a: to -30° F
USDA Zone 4b: to -25° F
USDA Zone 5a: to -20° F
USDA Zone 5b: to -15° F
USDA Zone 6a: to -10° F
USDA Zone 6b: to -5° F
USDA Zone 7a: to 0° F
USDA Zone 7b: to 5° F
USDA Zone 8a: to 10° F
USDA Zone 8b: to 15° F