Euonymus alatus . (Winged Spindle, Burning Bush)

Aflat topped deciduous shrub or small tree to approximately 4 metres in height and spread. The inconspicuous flowers are green but the berries are orange and the autumn colour is flaming scarlet, quite incredible, living up to its common name of Burning Bush. It has incredible looking bark with deep ridges, a cross between Quercus suber and Liquidamber, hence its other common name Winged Spindle. This is a tree that looks great in a winter garden. It may be deciduous but its bark packs a punch.

Plant in full sun to partial shade (though full sun is needed for the best leaf colour). Happy in any moist but well drained soil. They originate from Eastern Russia, China and Japan.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.