shrub RHS Award

Compact Burning Bush

Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'

$29.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Deciduous shrub known for its brilliant red fall color and unique, corky-winged stems. Inconspicuous spring flowers give way to reddish fruits.

A popular, dense, multi-stemmed, compact cultivar that is smaller than the species. Fall color is a brilliant scarlet red. Stem wings are less prominent than the species.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesEuonymus alatus Compactus offers dense, attractive foliage year-round, perfect for structured hedges and landscape accents.
Practical UsesProvides privacy screening and acts as a windbreak, reducing noise and wind impact.
Ecological BenefitsSupports local pollinators and provides habitat for birds.
SpeciesEuonymus alatusWinged Euonymus

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108 inches

Width

108 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

All parts are poisonous if ingested by humans and pets.

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

In Stock$29.95
In Stock$43.95
In Stock$49.99

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
  2. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
  3. Transplant seedlings when they are 6 inches tall after the last frost.
  4. Prune to shape after flowering for a fuller form.
  5. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Water deeply once a week during dry periods to promote healthy growth.

Pro Tip

Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
  • Prune in late winter to maintain shape
  • Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring
  • Mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

  • Overwater which can lead to root rot ❌
  • Prune excessively during the growing season
  • Plant in poorly drained soil
  • Ignore pest infestations

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Sculptural shrub for modern bordersPrivacy hedge with dense foliageFoundation plant for structured gardens

Companion Plants

HydrangeaLavender Roses Boxwood Spirea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Compact Burning Bush questions

What zones can Compact Burning Bush grow in?

Compact Burning Bush is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Compact Burning Bush deer resistant?

Yes — Compact Burning Bush is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Compact Burning Bush bloom?

Compact Burning Bush typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Compact Burning Bush need full sun?

Compact Burning Bush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Compact Burning Bush drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Compact Burning Bush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Compact Burning Bush with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.