Euonymus alatus

winged spindle or fire bush

Eventual height & spread

Euonymus alatus

winged spindle or fire bush

  • 2 litre pot
  • £25.75
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
  • 3 × 2 litre pots
  • £62.99 £21.00 each
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
  • 10 litre pot | 60 - 80cm
  • £109.99
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
  • 7.5 litre pot | 80 - 100cm tall
  • £109.99
  • available to order from spring
Delivery options
  • Standard £5.99
  • Next/Named Day £10.99
  • Position: full sun or partial shade
  • Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
  • Rate of growth: slow
  • Flowering period: May to June
  • Hardiness: fully hardy


A dense, bushy, deciduous shrub with dark green leaves turning brilliant shades of strawberry red in autumn, this winged spindle is named after the large, corky wings that are revealed after it has shed its leaves.

Best planted in an area where the sun catches the spectacular autumn foliage, Euonymus alatus makes an excellent specimen plant for a well-drained shrub border or woodland edge.


  • Garden care:
    When planting, dig a generous hole and mix some well-rotted compost or manure into the soil to enrich it before backfilling. Also incorporate mycorrhizal fungi to boost establishment. After planting, apply 5-7cm (2-3in) of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

    Prune after flowering, as needed, to maintain shape and control size, removing any old, crossing, or misdirected stems. Dormant pruning before spring helps rejuvenate the plant, but heavy tip pruning is generally not required unless shaping is desired. Thinning the interior improves airflow and overall health.
    • Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten

    Goes well with