If properly maintained, it will survive for decades.
Note that burning bush plants can be toxic to people and pets.
It is considered an invasive species in most of the eastern United States.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
In warmer climates, the bush can stand a partially shady spot, especially during the hotter afternoon hours.
Be aware that shadier conditions reduce the splendor of the fall foliage display.
It also favors a slightly acidicsoil pHbut will grow in alkaline or neutral soil, as well.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Most important to the plant is its soil’s drainagetoo much moisture can lead to root rot.
Water
Burning bush is a drought-tolerant plant once established and generally has low-to-moderate watering needs.
Plan to feed a young bush three to four times throughout its growing season, from mid-spring to midsummer.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
This is best done in the early spring before new growth begins.
The goal is to open up the interior of the shrub to light and air.
A dwarf cultivar, for example, may produce seeds that grow into towering 20-foot plants.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Overwintering
This shrub requires no winter protection.
Bloom Months
Burning bush blooms in the spring months.
What Do Burning Bush Flowers Look Like?
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Burning bush blooms with yellow-green flowers that appear in spring.
Flowers are a prerequisite for the orange-red berries that appear in fall.
These berries are best avoided, as they can lead to rampant self-seeding.
Start by cutting the stems down to the ground.
Then, dig around the edges of the root ball, prying it out of the ground.
Several other species in theEuonymusgenus have bright red fall foliage but are less invasive than burning bush.
For example, you’re free to consider spindle tree, Japanese euonymus, and fragrant sumac.
A handful of states have banned the sale of burning bush plants.
The most recent state to ban sales of the burning bush is Pennsylvania.
Euonymus alatus.North Carolina State Extension.
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
