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Dwarf Burning Bush
Dwarf Burning Bush
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Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’
Dwarf Burning Bush – Product Description
The Dwarf Burning Bush is a compact, ornamental shrub admired for its dense habit, deep green foliage, and spectacular scarlet-red fall color. This low-maintenance, slow-growing cultivar of the larger burning bush is a standout in foundation plantings, hedges, and formal landscape borders.
Its tidy, rounded form and dramatic autumn show make it a favorite for structured gardens, mass plantings, and color-focused designs, offering beauty with very little upkeep.
Dwarf Burning Bush Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’ |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Dwarf Burning Bush, Compact Winged Euonymus |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 4–6 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 4–6 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Slow to moderate (6–12 inches per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 30–50+ years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 4–8 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (best color in full sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Well-drained loam, sandy, or clay soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Tolerates a wide range (5.5–7.5) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| 🍂 Foliage Color | Dark green (summer); fiery red (fall) |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Dense, rounded, slow-spreading shrub |
| ↔️ Spacing | 3–6 ft apart for borders or mass plantings |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Foundation beds, borders, low hedges, accent plantings |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low |
Environmental Benefits
🍂 Adds bold, seasonal color to the landscape in autumn
🌱 Provides cover and structure for birds and small wildlife
🌞 Tolerates urban conditions, drought, and poor soils
🌿 Excellent for erosion control on slopes and banks
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🔥 Brilliant red fall foliage provides standout seasonal color | 🌱 Can be invasive in some regions—check local guidelines |
| 🌳 Dense, compact growth requires minimal pruning | 🌿 Fall color may fade in full shade |
| 🌞 Drought and urban tolerant | ✂️ Occasional trimming may be needed to maintain tight shape |
| 🧱 Great for foundation plantings and small spaces | 🍁 Leaf drop in fall may require cleanup in manicured beds |
| 🐦 Offers year-round structure for wildlife | ❄️ Slower growth than other ornamental shrubs |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water well before planting and continue until established
🕳️ Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball; plant at same depth as nursery level
🌾 Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
💦 Water weekly during the first year; reduce as plant matures
✂️ Prune in late winter to maintain shape or rejuvenate older stems
🧪 Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release shrub formula
The Dwarf Burning Bush delivers unmatched fall color and dependable form, making it a favorite for gardeners and designers alike. Whether used as a bold accent, low hedge, or grouped en masse, it provides structure, simplicity, and seasonal fire with minimal fuss.
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