Compact Winged Euonymus

Compact Winged Euonymus (Euonymus alatus 'Compactus')

Compact Winged Euonymus (Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'), also known as Dwarf Burning Bush, is a dense, mounded deciduous shrub prized for its fiery red fall foliage and sculptural branching. This compact cultivar delivers brilliant seasonal color and four-season structure, making it a staple in both formal and informal landscapes.

Distinctive Features

'Compactus' forms a rounded, well-branched silhouette that reaches a manageable size, typically around 5 to 7 feet tall and wide. Its most striking feature is the vibrant scarlet-red foliage that emerges in fall, creating a dramatic visual contrast against other plantings. The shrub�s corky winged stems provide unique winter texture, adding subtle interest even after the leaves have dropped.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best color in full sun
• Soil: Adaptable to most well-drained soils
• Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�8

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Brilliant fall color creates seasonal impact in mixed borders or open lawn areas
• Hedges and Screens: Dense branching makes it a natural choice for informal privacy hedges
• Foundation Planting: Adds structure and fall interest near buildings and entryways
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Pairs well with evergreens, ornamental grasses, and seasonal perennials
• Accent Planting: Ideal as a specimen to highlight fall transitions in the landscape

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; becomes drought-tolerant over time
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to shape or reduce size as needed
• Fertilizing: Apply balanced shrub fertilizer in early spring
• Mulching: Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Pest/Disease: Generally pest-resistant and adaptable in most climates

Why Choose Compact Winged Euonymus?

• Striking Fall Foliage: Intense red color draws attention and marks seasonal change
• Compact Habit: Maintains a tidy, rounded shape without extensive pruning
• Four-Season Appeal: Winter stems and fall foliage provide extended visual interest
• Adaptable and Hardy: Performs reliably in a variety of soil and light conditions
• Focal Point: Autumn brilliance and winter texture make it a strong seasonal centerpiece

Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' offers dependable structure, ease of care, and unmatched fall color, making it a popular focal point or backdrop in gardens across temperate regions.