The familiar burning bush is a dense, flat-topped, deciduous shrub with a rounded, horizontal branching habit. Reddish purple fruit grows beneath the simple, finely toothed, dark green leaves. Foliage turns an extremely showy bright red in autumn. Smaller cultivars exist.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsEasily transplanted and tolerant of many growing conditions. Highly invasive species that may escape cultivation and naturalize in the wild; it has become a problem in New England, especially in New Hampshire and Connecticut. Native to northeastern Asia.
CareTolerates most any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade, but plants grown in sun generally need moister soil. Evergreens need a sheltered site out of the wind.
PropagationRoot greenwood cuttings.
ProblemsCommon: mites, scale insects, leaf miners, aphids, and mealybugs. Frequent: witches' broom, stem dieback, powdery mildew, and fungal spots.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Black and Decker 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Scotts Cordless Grass-Shear/Shrub-Trimmer Combo
- Genus : Euonymus
- Plant Width : 10 to 15 feet
- Plant Height : 15 to 30 feet
- Zones : 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Moisture : Dry to Medium
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Fall Interest
- Growth Rate : Fast, Slow
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Bloom Time : Late Spring, Spring
- Maintenance : Low
- Characteristics : Showy Fall Foliage, Showy Foliage
- Plant Type : Shrubs
- Flower Color : Yellow
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.
