General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Adaptable shrub which tolerates a wide range of soils except for wet, poorly-drained ones. Also tolerates considerable shade. Strong, branching growth habit enables plant to tolerates heavy pruning.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
'Compactus' is a popular burning bush cultivar. It is a deciduous shrub which is not all that "compact" since it typically grows in a mound to 10' tall with a slightly larger spread, though it can easily be kept shorter by pruning. It features elliptic to obovate, dark green leaves (to 3" long) which turn bright red in fall (sometimes more pinkish in shade). Fall color can be spectacular and gives rise to the common name. Small, yellowish-green flowers appear in May but are not showy. Small fruits (1/3" red capsules) appear in fall, but are usually hidden by the foliage. Corky bark ridges on the branches of Euonymus alatus give rise to the additional common name of winged euonymus for the species. However, the corky ridges are absent or very reduced in size on the stems of 'Compactus'. For a truly compact burning bush, see Euonymus alatus 'Rudy Haag' (R440) which typically grows from 3-5' tall.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses:
Versatile shrub with outstanding fall color. Specimen, group or mass. Hedge, screen, shrub border or foundation plant.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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