Winged spindle tree (Euonymus alatus 'Rudy Haag')
Euonymus alatus 'Rudy Haag' is a low-maintenance, dwarf Winged spindle tree offering intense fall color in zones 4-7.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Euonymus alatus ‘Rudy Haag’, commonly known as the Winged spindle tree, is a highly valued dwarf cultivar celebrated primarily for its spectacular seasonal transformations. This dense, mounded shrub provides reliable structure in the landscape, maturing at a manageable 3 to 5 feet tall. Gardeners prize the Euonymus alatus ‘Rudy Haag’ for the fiery red foliage displayed in autumn, a characteristic that far outshines its small, greenish-yellow spring blooms.
As an exceptionally adaptable deciduous shrub, the Winged spindle tree fits easily into a variety of garden settings due to its low maintenance needs. It tolerates a broad spectrum of soil conditions, making it a workhorse plant for foundational plantings, borders, or low hedges. While it can handle part shade, ensuring full sun exposure maximizes the vividness of its famous fall display.
This cultivar offers a slow growth rate, providing reliable, contained dimension without the aggressive size of its larger cousins. The distinctive corky ridges on its young stems also add subtle winter interest after the leaves drop, making the Euonymus alatus ‘Rudy Haag’ a multi-season performer.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Celastraceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-7
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-5 ft
- Spread: 3-5 ft
- Bloom Time: May
- Bloom Description: Yellowish green
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Spring is the ideal time to plant the Euonymus alatus ‘Rudy Haag’ to allow its root system to establish before summer heat arrives. This adaptable shrub succeeds in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soil. While it tolerates various soil types—even clay—it strongly dislikes wet, poorly-drained conditions, which can contribute to potential diseases. Locate planting areas where they receive full sun to maximize the brilliant terminal fall color, though they will tolerate partial shade.
Watering requirements are medium; plants appreciate consistent moisture, especially when situated in full sun locations during their first few seasons. Once established, the Winged spindle tree is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering during prolonged dry spells. Minimal fertilization is usually required; rich soil is not necessary for success.
Maintenance for this dwarf cultivar is generally low. Pruning is rarely required, as the naturally mounded, flat-topped structure of the Euonymus alatus ‘Rudy Haag’ provides good shape. If shaping is necessary, prune lightly immediately following flowering in late spring. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season.
Landscape Uses
The compact nature of the Euonymus alatus ‘Rudy Haag’ makes it incredibly versatile in modern landscape designs. It excels when used as a formal or informal hedge, providing a dense, colorful screen that remains manageable in size. Due to its excellent fall pigment, it serves wonderfully as an accent specimen plant where its autumn glow can be highlighted.
This shrub is perfectly suited for defining the foundation line of structures or providing year-round structure within shrub borders. Because it tolerates clay soil and tough conditions like Black Walnut roots, it fills difficult spots where other ornamentals fail. Plant in groups or masses for a strong visual impact, or use singular specimens to anchor corners in perennial borders.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Euonymus alatus, commonly called winged euonymus, burning bush, winged burning bush or winged spindle tree, is a dense, mounded, spreading, flat-topped, multi-stemmed shrub that is particularly noted for its fiery red fall foliage color. The cultivar Euonymus alatus ‘Rudy Haag’ is a dwarf selection, growing only to 3-5 feet, featuring small elliptic green leaves that turn spectacular bright red in fall. Its stems are noteworthy for the distinctive corky ridges, or “wings,” which are most visible during winter months.
Tolerances
- Clay Soil
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
The Winged spindle tree typically avoids severe insect or disease issues, contributing to its low maintenance rating. The primary conditional concern is the potential for twig blight, which frequently surfaces when the shrub is situated in excessively wet or poorly-drained soil. To manage this, ensure proper drainage during planting and avoid overwatering. Gardeners should occasionally monitor for spider mites, especially during hot, dry periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Winged spindle tree suitable for?
The Euonymus alatus ‘Rudy Haag’ is highly reliable across USDA Zones 4 through 7.
How large does Euonymus alatus ‘Rudy Haag’ grow?
This dwarf cultivar typically matures to a height and spread between 3 and 5 feet.
What sun exposure does Euonymus alatus ‘Rudy Haag’ need?
For the best performance and most intense fall color, this plant prefers full sun, though it will adapt to part shade.
When does Winged spindle tree bloom?
The Winged spindle tree blooms in May, displaying small, yellowish-green flowers.
Conclusion
The Euonymus alatus ‘Rudy Haag’ represents an outstanding choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance structure coupled with world-class fall drama. Its dwarf habit and adaptability to tough conditions, including clay and Black Walnut shade, confirm its status as a versatile landscape staple. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 4 to 7 and plan for well-drained soil to ensure your Winged spindle tree thrives for years to come.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate neighbors enhances the garden display around the Euonymus alatus ‘Rudy Haag’. Because this shrub tolerates the heavy shade cast by Black Walnut trees, excellent companions include shade-tolerant ferns, Hellebores (Lenten Rose), and Hosta varieties, all of which appreciate the consistent moisture the Euonymus prefers. Pairing the shrub with plants that provide contrasting textures, such as fine-needled evergreens, helps highlight the shrub’s dense summer foliage before its brilliant fall transition.
Seasonal Care Calendar
For peak performance, tailor care to the season. In early spring, before new growth starts, perform any necessary corrective pruning, though heavy shaping is usually unnecessary for this cultivar. Summer demands watering attention; supplement natural rainfall, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but never soggy beneath the Winged spindle tree. In fall, celebrate the stunning red foliage; no special care is needed unless sanitation is preferred to collect fallen fruit/seed capsules. Winter is the time to appreciate the corky-winged stems once the leaves drop.
