Euonymus grandiflorus Red Wine - Spindle

The Euonymus Red Wine is a deciduous spindle tree less well-known than the European spindle tree that grows in hedgerows. It is sumptuously coloured from late summer to early winter, and ignored by pests that sometimes disfigure the beautiful native species. This moderately-sized shrub is adorned with vibrant shades starting in August, mixing its purple-violet foliage with beautiful fruits that range from cream to pink and open into bright orange berries. It is a very beautiful, sturdy, and undemanding plant in terms of soil and climate. Plant this superb spindle tree in an informal or rural hedge or the centre of a large bed of perennials and low-growing shrubs.

This Red Wine Spindle Tree is a horticultural selection sometimes marketed under the name Euonymus grandiflorus Red Wine, Euonymus carnosus Red Wine, or (wrongly) Euonymus atropurpureus var. cheatumi. All these shrubs belong to the Celastraceae family and are native to Asia.

'Red Wine' is a moderately fast-growing shrub with a dense, slightly spreading habit. It remains modest in size, averaging 2 m (6.5ft) in height and in width. This can be maintained through pruning. Its branches, with smooth greyish bark, bear fairly narrow, pendulous leaves that are 7 to 15 cm (3 to 6in) long. They are medium green, glossy, thick, lanceolate, with toothed edges. Their colour begins to change at the end of August, as temperatures drop and days shorten, turning orange, then intense red before becoming purple-violet. This magnificent foliage remains attached to the branches for a long time before falling.

The insignificant but long-lasting flowering period extends from May to July. The fragrant white-cream flowers are gathered in clusters or corymbs of 5 to 8. They measure about 1.5 cm in diameter and have 4 tiny petals. They attract pollinating insects and gradually form unique and very decorative fruits throughout winter. The fruit, formed by 4 lobes, changes from cream-yellow to pink. It gradually opens to reveal hanging berries with a pronounced bright orange colour. Do not be fooled by their beautiful appearance as they are not edible to humans, nor are any other parts of the shrub, including the leaves and bark. Keep an eye on children, who may be tempted by this attractive fruiting. However, birds will eat them in winter.

The 'Red Wine' spindle tree is a sturdy and splendid shrub for the end of the season, just like cotinus, Persian ironwood, and Amelanchier. Its changing foliage and colourful fruit make it an excellent subject for informal hedges, adding a luxurious touch. It can also be planted in the centre of a bed, isolated among perennials that bloom in autumn: asters, tall sedums, colourful Miscanthus and Panicum grasses and Japanese anemones.