How to Grow Euonymus Alatus Compactus - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Euonymus alatus compactus is a plant that is native to Asia. It is a member of the Celastraceae family and is also known as the winged burning bush. The plant is an evergreen shrub that can grow to be about 6 feet tall. The leaves of the plant are elliptical in shape and are dark green in color. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that blooms in the springtime. The winged burning bush is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.

How to Grow Euonymus Alatus Compactus - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Burning bush
  • Winged euonymus
  • Compact winged euonymus
  • Dwarf winged euonymus
  • Miniature winged euonymus

Good to Know

  • Euonymus alatus compactus is a deciduous shrub that is native to China.
  • It is commonly known as the compact winged euonymus or burning bush.
  • It grows to a height of 3-6 feet and has a spread of 4-8 feet.
  • The leaves are elliptical in shape and are dark green in color.
  • In fall, the leaves turn a vivid red color.
  • The flowers are small and greenish-white in color.
  • They are followed by small, spherical fruits that are orange-red in color.
  • The compact winged euonymus is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and prefers full sun to partial shade.
  • It is an easy plant to grow and is low maintenance.
  • It can be used as a hedge, foundation planting, or accent plant in the landscape.

Related plant:
Euonymus Japonicus Aureus

How to Grow

  1. For euonymus alatus compactus, first step is to find a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil.
  2. If you have sandy soil, mix in some compost or other organic matter to help retain moisture.
  3. Next, take your euonymus alatus compactus seed and plant it about ½ inch deep in the soil.
  4. Gently water the area around the seed.
  5. Once the seed has germinated (sprouted), thin out the seedlings so that only the strongest one remains.
  6. As your euonymus alatus compactus plant grows, you may need to stake it to keep it from falling over.
  7. Once the plant blooms, prune it to encourage new growth.
  8. In the fall, cut back the plant to about 6 inches to help it overwinter.
  9. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant in late fall to protect it from the cold weather.
  10. In the spring, remove the mulch and fertilize your euonymus alatus compactus plant with a balanced fertilizer.

Related plant:
Euonymus Green Spire

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Euonymus alatus compactus prefer well-drained soils and can grow in both sandy and clay soils. It can also tolerate a wide range of pH levels, from 5.0 to 7.5. This plant is not very drought tolerant, so it will need to be watered regularly, especially during hot summer months.

Light requirement

Not too different with other members in the genus, Euonymus alatus compactus requires full sun to partial shade to prosper. However, young plants should be kept in full sun until they become established to ensure proper growth. Choose a location that has well-draining soil for this plant species. If the ground is too wet, the roots will rot. Also, make sure to space the plants 3 to 6 feet apart to allow for sufficient air circulation.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for the growth of the euonymus alatus compactus is one that is cool and moist. This plant is native to areas that are cool and moist, such as the forests of Japan.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. anything below or over that range is not good for the plant. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will dry out and turn brown. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. The best way to maintain the proper humidity level is to use a humidifier or to mist the plant with water every day.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, this type of plant doesn't need much. A light feeding in the spring is all that is necessary. Too much fertilizer will result in too much leaf growth and not enough blooms. As for the roots, they are very fine and spread out quickly, so be careful not to plant them too close to structures or other plants.

Plant Pruning

Pruning euonymus alatus compactus is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches. Cut back the remaining branches by one-third to one-half their length to encourage new growth.

About Propagating

Propagation of Euonymus alatus compactus is best done through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is 6-8 inches long and be sure to include at least 2-3 leaf nodes. The bottom leaves should be removed and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm location until roots have formed, which can take 4-6 weeks. Once roots have formed, the new plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate well in average moisture and well-drained soils, although they are somewhat tolerant of poorer soils and extended droughts. They prefer full sun to partial shade but can also tolerate shade for part of the day. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, scale, and Japanese beetles. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can be a variety of colors. They pierce plant tissue and suck out the sap, which can cause the plant to wilt and yellow. Scale are small, hard-bodied insects that are often found on the stems and leaves of plants. They feed on the plant tissue, which can cause the plant to become stunted. Japanese beetles are a type of beetle that can be very damaging to plants. They feed on the leaves and flowers of plants, which can cause the plant to become deformed.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to water your euonymus alatus compactus plant regularly, as it does not tolerate drought well.
  • Place your plant in an area of your garden that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Amend the soil with organic matter before planting to help improve drainage.
  • Plant euonymus alatus compactus in a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
  • Apply a slow-release fertilizer at planting time and again in early spring.
  • Prune your plant annually in late winter to early spring to encourage new growth.
  • Euonymus alatus compactus is generally pest and disease free, but watch out for scale and aphids.
  • This plant is deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Euonymus alatus compactus can be used as a low hedge, screen, or foundation plant.
  • It can also be trained as

Alternative Plants

  • Euonymus alatus plant (euonymus alatus) is a species of shrub in the genus Euonymus. Euonymus alatus grows as a shrub. Flowers are visited by Red admiral butterfly. Euonymus alatus is native to China.
  • Euonymus planipes plant (euonymus planipes) is a species of shrub in the genus Euonymus. Euonymus planipes grows as a shrub. Euonymus planipes is native to Japan, China, and Korea.
  • Euonymus glabra plant (euonymus glabra) is a species of shrub in the genus Euonymus. Euonymus glabra grows as a shrub. Flowers are visited by Red admiral butterfly. Euonymus glabra is native to China.
  • Euonymus phellomanus

Source:
Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' - University of Florida
BURNING BUSH - EUONYMUS ALATUS | The UFOR Nursery
Burning Bush, Winged Euonymus (Euonymus alatus)-Hort …

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category