Burning Bush / Winged Euonymus

Euonymus alatus

Cultivars: 'Compactus', 'Fire Ball', 'Rudy Haag'

Burning bush is a dense, rounded shrub widely used for hedging, screening, and foundation plantings due to its reliable form and dramatic fall color. Through the growing season it maintains a clean green presence, then in autumn the foliage turns a vivid red that makes it one of the most recognizable fall shrubs in residential landscapes. Its tidy growth habit and tolerance for shaping make it useful for formal hedges, property lines, and structured planting beds where consistent form is desired.

Plant Characteristics
Genus
Euonymus
Species
Euonymus alatus
Cultivar
‘Compactus’, ‘Fire Ball’, ‘Rudy Haag’
Family
Celastraceae
Plant Characteristics
Fall Color
Foliage Interest
Winter Interest
Plant Color
Crimson, light green
Bloom Time
Spring To Fall
Fall Color
Crimson
Height
6-12'
Width
6-12'
Water Use
Medium
Care Instructions

Burning bush performs best in full sun to partial sun and well-drained soil. It has low to medium water needs once established and is fairly drought tolerant, though it looks best with occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to maintain size and density, and it tolerates shearing well if used as a hedge. Fall dieback cutback is not needed since it is a woody shrub. Winter protection is generally not required in Rocky Mountain climates.