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 a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden.
About
Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' is a low-growing deciduous shrub with a spreading habit, characterized by distinct corky ridges along its branches. The leaves are ovate to elliptic and transform into shades of rosy-red as fall approaches. It produces small green flowers, which are succeeded by red-purple fruits that encase orange seeds.
About the genus
Euonymus comprises deciduous or evergreen shrubs and small trees, typically displaying noteworthy autumn foliage and producing small flowers that give way to vibrant fruits.
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
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Toxicity
- Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to vine weevil, horse chestnut scale, euonymus scale and caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a leaf spot and sometimes honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'?
Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
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'?
Pruning group 1.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'?
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
Is Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' toxic?
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.