How big does Winged spindle grow?

About 2 m × 2 m after ten years (height × width).

What soil does Winged spindle grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Winged spindle hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Winged spindle be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Winged spindle flower?

Flowering: May–June, green, yellow.

How much water does Winged spindle need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Winged spindle cost?

It sells for roughly €16 to €140 in local shops, depending on size.

Winged spindle

Euonymus alatus

Winged spindle (Euonymus alatus) is a shrub that reaches 2 m × 2 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs, cats and children. Sold in local shops from about €16.

Illustration of Winged spindle — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A slow-growing, broad deciduous shrub with tiered branching, planted for its autumn foliage: for a few weeks the leaves turn a blazing scarlet, and in winter the corky wings on the twigs give it an interesting outline. It grows in almost any soil, tolerates urban conditions and needs hardly any pruning. Plant it in sun, as it colours poorly in shade, and remember that all parts are poisonous and the colourful fruit may attract children.

Watch out for

It has few problems in Central Europe. The most common pest is euonymus scale, which settles on twigs and leaves, and spider mites attack it in hot, dry summers. Powdery mildew and leaf spot can occur. In prolonged summer drought and blazing sun the leaves may scorch and drop early, so water it then. In North America it is considered invasive because birds spread its seedlings, but it is not on the EU, German or Swiss invasive lists.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 2 m × 2 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, green, yellow

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2 m × 2 m
Ultimate size	1.5–6 m × 1.5–6 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–June, green, yellow
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	150 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Toxic
Typical price	from about €16

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-25 cm	approx. €16
40-50 cm	approx. €30
50-60 cm	approx. €37
80-100 cm	approx. €140
size not stated	approx. €29 – €30

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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