Euonymus alatus

Common name: Winged Spindle Tree

Description: Euonymus alatus is arguably the finest hardy shrub for autumn colour available to UK gardeners, producing a breathtaking display of intense crimson-scarlet foliage in autumn that rivals the most vivid maples. The leaves turn a rich, fiery red across the entire plant before falling to reveal the distinctive corky-winged stems and small, orange-seeded fruits that provide further interest through winter. It is a slow-growing, broadly spreading deciduous shrub that requires virtually no maintenance and performs reliably across a wide range of soils and conditions. The autumn colour is equally spectacular whether grown in sun or partial shade.

Other benefits: exceptional fiery crimson autumn colour; attractive winged stems in winter; ornamental orange fruits; low maintenance; tolerates a wide range of soils

Wildlife attraction: birds and small mammals attracted to the orange-seeded fruits in autumn

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 1.5–2m x 2–2.5m

Position: full sun to partial shade; autumn colour is best in a sunnier position; most soil types including chalk

Soil pH: adaptable — neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.0–7.5); tolerates chalk, clay, and sandy soils

Moisture: moderate; tolerates a range of moisture conditions once established; avoid permanently waterlogged soil

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -20°C