Euonymus alatus
Winged spindle tree
- Height × spread
- 2m × 3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Generally all year, largest selection in Spring & Autumn
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a shrub grown mainly for its autumn show of fine, crimson-pink autumn colour. For the rest of the year, the shrub is quiet and unassuming sitting, almost invisible, at the back of the garden. The fruits are also a pleasing autumn feature. They are lobed and coloured red-purple, opening to display orange seeds. The branchlets develop corky wings as they mature, giving an oddly squared appearance which catches the eye (and the snow) when the stems are leafless in winter. This can be grown as a background planting, taking into account the autumn brilliance.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Red-crimson
- Fruit colour
- Purple, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 2m
- Spread
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Small scale garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Clay
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Bird attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Harmful if eaten
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Found in
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