Dwarf Burning Bush
Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'
A compact deciduous shrub that delivers spectacular scarlet-red fall color in a manageable size perfect for smaller landscapes. This dwarf variety maintains the stunning autumn display of its larger cousin while staying neatly proportioned, making it ideal for foundation plantings and mixed borders. The dense, rounded form requires minimal pruning and provides excellent structure year-round.
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
4–8
USDA hardiness
Height
15-20 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Dwarf Burning Bush in USDA Zone 7
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Dwarf Burning Bush · Zones 4–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 15 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet, 12-24 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: High. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Small 1/2 inch long, red, fleshy fruit ripens in fall within a red capsule. This red, pink, ivory to yellow capsule splits to show orange-red seeds in the fall that are attractive to birds. The fall berries are eaten by birds, and the seeds are easily spread by birds. An obovoid, dehiscent capsule; single seed enclosed in orange-red aril.
Color: Cream/Tan, Gold/Yellow, Orange, Pink, Red/Burgundy. Type: Berry, Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Showy
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring
Edibility: Use caution. Many species of this genus are toxic to humans.
History & Origin
Origin: South Siberia to East Asia, Japan and China.
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Compaction, Drought, Erosion
- +Attracts: Wildlife Food Source
- +Wildlife value: Fruit attracts birds who eat the seeds and distribute them. The fall berries are eaten by birds, and the seeds are easily spread. It is attractive to deer. Host plant to many types of beetle.
- +Edible: Use caution. Many species of this genus are toxic to humans.
Considerations
- -Toxic (Bark, Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Sap/Juice, Seeds, Stems): Low severity
- -High maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hostas
Thrives in partial shade created by burning bush, complementary foliage textures
Astilbe
Enjoys similar moisture conditions and partial shade, adds contrasting flower color
Coral Bells
Similar soil preferences, provides ground-level color contrast to burning bush foliage
Japanese Painted Fern
Thrives in partial shade, silver foliage complements burning bush's seasonal color changes
Boxwood
Similar growing conditions, evergreen structure provides winter interest when burning bush is dormant
Daylilies
Similar water and soil requirements, blooms provide summer color before fall burning bush display
Spirea
Compatible growth habits and soil preferences, spring blooms complement fall burning bush color
Winterberry Holly
Similar native habitat preferences, provides winter berry interest after burning bush leaves fall
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can cause yellowing and stunting
Rhododendron
Requires acidic soil while burning bush prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions
Pine Trees
Acidifies soil and creates dense shade, incompatible with burning bush's light and soil needs
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant and pest free
Common Pests
Scale insects, spider mites occasionally
Diseases
Crown gall, powdery mildew in poor air circulation