Who doesn’t love a plant called Eastern WAHOO???? Euonymus atropurpureus is basically a party in a plant. With as many names as it has seasonal interests, Euonymus atropurpureus is a wonderful native shrub alternative to invasive Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) that will keep garden visitors guessing. Occasionally nicknamed Burning Bush like its problematic brethren, Euonymus atropurpureus is also known affectionately as Hearts Bursting With Love in reference to its showy fruits. Obscure and somewhat inconspicuous four petaled flowers appear on long stems from May to June, hidden by the medium green foliage. Come early fall, ostentatious pinkish-red fruits take the place of the flowers, opening to reveal shiny, bright red seeds that are eaten by wildlife. Cool autumn temperatures and shorter daylight hours encourage the foliage to take on dramatic shades of purple and red, adding an explosion of color to the edge of the shady woodland garden. Eastern Wahoo prefers mesic forest conditions with dry to moist but well-draining soils, doing particularly well in dry shady spots that are often craving visual interest.

• Category: Woody Ornamentals
• Hardiness Zone: 3
• Height: 15 Feet
• Spread: 20 Feet
• Bloom Color: Purple