Plant Focus by Ben: Euconymus alatus ‘Compactus’

Autumn is on its way.  You can feel it in the wind and the nights are starting to draw in, but most importantly, the leaves are changing.  This is the time of earthy oranges and reds, browns and yellows, and it is probably my favourite time of year.  Each year I look out for the Euonymus to change colour, its vibrant red leaves, shouting that the season is changing and to get ready!  Great as a small shrub in the back of a border, or as an informal hedge, Euonymus is a great addition to any garden, being much smaller than its wild counterpart just makes it that much easier to squeeze in!  Found in the Inner-Walled Garden here (shown above) you would likely walk past it for most of the year, but right now, it’s almost impossible to miss!

Growing best in full sun or partial shade, this plant will tolerate most soil types and pH’s.  Growing in shelter will mean the leaves are on the plant for longer before the wind finally takes them off however.  Growing to 1.5m tall this small shrub is suitable for most sizes of garden, however, all parts of the plant will cause severe discomfort if consumed, so keep away from children and dogs.  Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in late summer – early autumn.