Winged spindle

This dark-leaved shrub is inconspicuous for most of the year but in autumn it comes into its own when the foliage turns vivid shades of scarlet and crimson. These are most vivid in full sun, although plants grow reasonably well in shade. The summer flowers are insignificant, but they result in attractive purple and red fruits which split open to form four winged lobes with a bright orange seed at the centre. The bark is also attractive with distinctive corky wings. The Royal Horticultural Society have given it their Award of Garden Merit (AGM).