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Winged Spindle Euonymus alatus

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Product Description

EUONYMOUS ALATUS – Winged Spindle

Characteristics

Commonly known as winged Spindle this deciduous spindle is originally from eastern Asia, northern China and Japan.

It has a shrubby habit and will grow to 2½ m (8ft) it is often wider than it is tall. The stems are notable for their four corky ridges or wings.

The autumn colours are a spectacular mix of reds and purples which give it the other common name of Burning Bush. It also has red fruit enclosed by a four-lobed pink, yellow or orange capsule.

Where to grow

Grow in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Prune when dormant, if needed, to remove wayward or crossing shoots.

Euonymus alatus is especially good in alkaline soils.

Did you know?

The word alatus is Latin for winged, in reference to the winged branches.


Features

Mature Height

Very Small up to 5 metres

Spread

0-5 metres

Shape / Habit

Shrub Multi-Stem
Spreading

Growth Rate

Slow

Soil Type

Chalk/Limestone
Light sandy

Sun Levels

Full sun
Partial shade

Difficulty / Hard to Grow

Easy

Evergreen / Deciduous

Deciduous

Autumn Colour

Orange
Purple
Red

Leaf Colour

Green

Foliage

Small leaves

Berries / Fruit Colour

Orange
Pink

Uses

Garden Tree
Small garden Tree
City/Urban Sites

Stem / Bark

Green

Peeling Bark

Yes

Season

Autumn
Winter

Aftercare

Pruning Euonymus alatus

Euonymus alatus has very few pruning needs; ideally let it develop in its natural shrubby form. Remove congested stems and old stems by cutting back to the base, this will open up the centre and encourage new growth. Renovation is possible on neglected trees; do this by cutting all of the stems low in late winter.

What time of year is best for pruning? Prune in late Winter or early Spring.

For the continued healthy growth of your trees, shrubs or hedging it is vital that you follow the advice below.

Watering

The main reason that plants die within 12 months of having been planted is lack of water. It is essential throughout the spring and summer, to give a heavy enough watering to enable the water to penetrate right down to the deepest root level of the tree. In hot dry spells give the equivalent of 2 bucketfuls every three days.

Weed Control

One of the most common causes of lack of water is competition from grass. When trees are first establishing, the grass roots would be at the same level as the tree roots and are far more efficient at taking up water and thus choke the tree. It is vital that for at least 3 years after planting your tree or hedge has a circle or strip one metre wide completely free of grass.

  1. Mulch mats are an effective way to stop grass and weeds, although they will require a careful eye to make sure they continue to work. After clearing the ground around the tree, firmly fit the mat by tucking the edges into the soil and put a thick layer of bark mulch on top of this. Be careful not to allow the woodchip to touch the stem as it can cause rot.
  2. Weed killer is very effective, however it is harmful to the environment. Organic weed killers usually do not kill roots. Weed killer needs to be applied each year for the first 3 years, preferably when the tree is dormant, or just once before applying a mulch mat.
  3. Mowing or strimming is NOT an answer to the problem. Each time you mow, the grass will grow back more vigorously and strimming invariably leads to lacerated trunks.

Staking

If trees are not correctly secured they will rock in the planting pit. Roots not firmly in contact with the soil are unable to take up moisture and nutrients, resulting in die back or death of the tree. Check, particularly after windy weather, that stakes are still solidly in the ground keeping the base of the trunk firm. The purpose of the stakes is to anchor the roots. Flexing in the wind, higher up the trunk, is not necessarily a problem if the roots are firm.

Bellow is list of the correct system to use to secure your trees.

  • 40/60, 60/80, 80/100 whips - Unless rabbit/deer problem no need to stake.
  • 100/125, 125/150 1.2m Cane and Easi tie.
  • 150/175 1.2m square stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
  • 175/250, 6/8, 8/10 15L 1.65 Tree stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
  • All larger trees. 2 x 1.65 Tree stake and cross rail with 38mm cushion spacer and 1m of 38mm strapping.

Ties

Always use our recommended tree ties or strapping. These are designed and manufactured with the correct amount of give to hold the tree firm without strangling it. They should be checked at the end of each growing season for adjustment as the trunk thickens. Non proprietary materials such as baler twine will cut into the bark and should not be used.

Protection from Animal Damage

Rabbits, deer, sheep, cattle and horses can all potentially damage trees. Ask us for advice on the most appropriate guards for your trees or hedge. Squirrels are also a terrible pest when trees get to about 20ft tall but there is no protection available.

Are the delivery costs the same no matter how many plants I order?

Yes the delivery costs stay the same no matter how many plants you have on your order. They are worked out based on your distance from our nursery and can be found here.

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