Overview
Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Euonymus, part of the Celastraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include hedging and screens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It is native to Northeast Asia.
About
Euonymus alatus 'Compactus', known as the compact winged spindle, is a bushy deciduous shrub growing to between 0.5 and 1 metre in height with a spread of 1 to 1.5 metres. It thrives in a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and tolerates acid, alkaline, and neutral pH levels. This low-maintenance cultivar prefers full sun to partial shade and can be grown in both exposed and sheltered aspects facing west, east, or south. It reaches full height over 10 to 20 years and is particularly notable in autumn and winter.
About the genus
Euonymus is a genus of flowering plants in the staff vine family Celastraceae. Common names vary widely among different species and between different English-speaking countries, but include spindle, burning-bush, strawberry-bush, wahoo, wintercreeper, or simply euonymus. It has about 140 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, small trees and lianas.
Wikipedia contributors, "Euonymus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euonymus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Euonymus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Hedging and screens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Northeast Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and benefits from occasional pruning to maintain shape. Tolerant of urban pollution and drought once established.
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged wood.
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil, Horse chestnut scale, Euonymus scale, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Leaf spot, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'?
Prefers well-drained soil and benefits from occasional pruning to maintain shape. Tolerant of urban pollution and drought once established.
Where is the best place to plant Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'?
Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' need?
Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'?
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged wood.
How big does Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' grow?
Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' hardy in the UK?
Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
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