Euonymus atropurpureus
Indian arrow wood
A deciduous shrub or small tree, with an irregular upright spreading habit. The green twigs have stripes of conspicuous corky wings. Mid green oval leaves, turn red in autumn. Flowering in late spring with small dark purple flowers, followed by bright red fruits splitting to reveal bright red seeds
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Red | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Celastraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Euonymus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, often with fine autumn colour, and small flowers followed by colourful fruits
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil, horse chestnut scale, euonymus scale and caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a leaf spot and sometimes honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.