Dwarf Burningbush

Blue Sky Nursery/Sheridan Nurseries Ltd.

$34.99
Title

A manageable masterpiece for any landscape, this dwarf variety packs all the fiery punch of the original Burning Bush into a tidy, rounded frame. Its dense, emerald-green summer leaves transform into a spectacular explosion of radiant scarlet in the autumn, creating a glowing focal point that defines the season.

Size

Size Guide

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Plant Details

Mature Size:

6'–10' Tall x 6'–10' Wide

Zone:

4-8

Watering:

Medium

Foliage Type:

Deciduous

Growth Rate:

Slow - Moderate

Light:

Full Sun/Part Sun

Plant Profile

Common Names:

Dwarf Burning Bush, Compact Winged Burning Bush, Dwarf Winged Euonymus

Scientific Name:

Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'

Type:

Ornamental Deciduous Shrub

Growth Details:

  • Mature Size: Typically 6–10 feet tall and wide, though often kept smaller with pruning.
  • Growth Habit: Dense, multi-stemmed, and naturally globe-shaped.
  • Growth Rate: Slow to moderate.
  • Longevity: 40+ years.

Environmental Needs:

  • Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
  • Soil Preferences: Adaptable to most well-drained soils; prefers moist, organic loams.
  • Soil Tolerance: Tolerates clay, sand, and slightly alkaline pH.
  • Watering: Regular watering during dry spells; more frequent in high heat.

Special Features:

  • Disease Resistances: Generally pest-resistant, though watch for scale in stagnant air.
  • Fast Growing: Once established, it fills in gaps reliably.
  • Attracts: Songbirds enjoy the fruit and the dense nesting cover.
Care Guide

Ornamental & Landscape Value

Seasonal Interest:

  • Bloom Information: Small, greenish flowers in late spring that are largely hidden by foliage.
  • Fall Colour: Intense, brilliant red to pinkish-red.
  • Bark: Features the signature corky "wings" along the stems, providing winter texture.
  • Fruit: Small red berries in autumn that are attractive to birds.

Garden Value:

  • Ornamental Interest: Famed for its reliable, neon-red autumn foliage and neat, mounded shape.
  • Landscaping Uses: Perfect for low formal hedges, foundation plantings, or as an accent in smaller garden beds.
  • Benefits: Easier to manage and prune than the standard species due to its smaller stature.

Wildlife & Human Value:

  • Wildlife Value: High value for birds seeking shelter and late-season seeds.
  • Human Value: Ideal for homeowners wanting high-impact autumn color without the massive size of the standard Burning Bush.

Planting & Care Guide

Planting Considerations:

  • Best Time To Plant: Late spring or early fall.
  • Spacing: 4–6 feet apart for a continuous hedge.
  • Location Tips: Select a spot with excellent air circulation to prevent scale; ensure plenty of sun for the best "burning" effect.

Care:

  • Light Requirements: Best in full sun for the most vivid fall color; tolerates partial shade.
  • Moisture Requirements: Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained; avoid soggy roots.
  • Maintenance & Fertilization: Feed with a general-purpose, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears.

Tolerances:

Urban pollution, salt, and heavy pruning.

Tips For Success:

  • Pruning: Responds exceptionally well to shearing; prune in late winter to maintain a specific size or shape.
  • Mulching: Apply a 2-inch layer of wood chips or bark to keep the root zone cool and moist.
  • Winter Protection: Generally very hardy, but young plants benefit from extra mulch in Zone 4.
Fruit Profile