The stunning array of autumn colours of Euonymus alatus transforms this otherwise insignificant shrub into a showy impact plant for a few weeks of the year in the autumn. When days get shorter and temperatures drop green chlorophyll drains from leaves revealing coloured pigments left behind. It is the pigments left behind that give the stunning displays of autumn colour, in the case of Euonymus alatus this colour being brilliant red.
As well as the impressive autumn colour this species, also known as the winged spindle tree, it has a corky wing running down its branches (alatus meaning ‘winged’ in Latin). Originating from Russia, Korea China and Japan the plant is fast becoming a problem in forests of North America where it has become invasive, outcompeting the native woodland species.
Find out how to get the best from this plant on the Gardeners World website.
Other high impact shrubs