Burning bush (Euonymus alatus)

Also known as: Winged spindle, Winged burning bush

The Burning Bush, scientifically known as Euonymus alatus, is a deciduous shrub prized for its striking red foliage in the fall. Commonly found in gardens and parks, it’s also known as the winged spindle. While its vibrant leaves add beauty to landscapes, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Burning bush

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1 m to 7 m

Spread

4.5 m to 6 m

Leaf Color

Green Red

Flower Size

1.5 mm to 2 mm

Flower Color

Green Yellow

Images of Burning bush

Quickly Identify Burning bush

Distinctive corky ridges along winged branches.

Scarlet red leaves in fall, small yellowish-green flowers.

Eye-catching obovoid fruit with vibrant colored aril.

Elliptic to obovate leaves, serrated edges, red fall color.

Green to greenish-brown stem with prominent corky wings.

Scientific Classification of Burning bush

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Spindle tree order

Family

Bittersweet

Genus

Spindle trees

Species

Burning bush

Planting and Growing of Burning bush

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6-8

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Burning bush?

For Euonymus alatus, ensure that you provide enough water to thoroughly moisten the root zone, which typically equates to about 1000 ml per watering session. The soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged, helping to maintain the health of the bush and its vibrant foliage.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Burning bush? ›

What should I do if my Burning bush is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Burning bush? ›

How to save an overwatered Burning bush? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Burning bush?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Euonymus alatus thrives best in sunlight conditions ranging from full sun to partial sun. This range supports lush growth and maintains the intensity of its renowned fall coloration.

What is the ideal light for Euonymus alatus? ›

How can I achieve these lighting conditions? ›

What are the benefits of providing ideal lighting? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Burning bush?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Euonymus alatus thrives best at temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. These temperatures support optimal growth and metabolic functions, ensuring vibrant foliage and healthy development. Maintaining this range can also help in deterring pests and diseases.

What Soil is Best for Burning bush?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy soil

Soil PH: 6 ~ 8

Euonymus alatus thrives in well-drained soil as it prevents root rot and ensures adequate oxygen availability. This allows the roots to function optimally, promoting healthy growth and vibrant foliage. While good drainage is important, the soil must also retain enough moisture to support growth, especially during dry spells. Moisture-retentive soil reduces the need for frequent watering, making maintenance easier. Rich in organic matter, the soil provides essential nutrients for Euonymus alatus, aiding in its overall health and vibrant appearance. It ensures robust growth and a lush plant. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Burning bush?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Euonymus alatus, an appropriate fertilizer amount is crucial to maintaining its vibrant foliage and overall health. Applying too little can hinder growth, while too much may lead to chemical burns or nutrient imbalances. Typically, a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer is ideal, ensuring that you provide roughly 1/4 cup of granular fertilizer per plant during the growing season. If using liquid fertilizer, dilute it to half the recommended strength based on package instructions to avoid over-fertilization. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Burning bush?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Begin by cutting away any dead or diseased branches. This step is crucial to prevent disease spread and allow the healthy parts of the plant to flourish unhindered. Look for branches that cross over each other or grow inward. Remove these to improve air circulation and light penetration, promoting better overall health and aesthetics. Prune to achieve symmetry, ensuring branches are evenly distributed. Don't over-prune in one session; it's better to maintain balance with regular maintenance cuts through the growing seasons. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Burning bush plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Early spring,Late spring,Summer

Gather ripe Euonymus alatus seeds in late autumn. Clean and dry them thoroughly before storage to prevent mold growth.

Cut semi-hardwood stems of about 4-6 inches in early summer. Ensure the cut is just below a node and remove any lower leaves.

Select a healthy stem near the ground in late spring. Gently bend and secure it into the soil, ensuring the stem stays moist until roots develop.

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How to Repot Burning bush plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Euonymus alatus, commonly known as the Burning Bush, requires repotting when you notice roots starting to circle at the pot's edge or emerging from drainage holes. This indicates root-bound conditions that hinder growth and nutrient uptake. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons for repotting, as they provide moderate temperatures that minimize plant stress and allow for better acclimatization.

Select a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, with ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A pot that's too large might encourage overwatering, while a snug fit aids in healthy root development. Clay pots are a great option as they allow the soil to dry between waterings, providing healthy aeration to the roots and fostering a robust growing environment.

A well-draining potting mix is crucial for Euonymus alatus, preventing root rot by ensuring excess water flows out. Incorporate components like perlite or sand to enhance drainage, maintain optimal moisture levels, and provide a breathable environment for roots to thrive. Such soil reduces compaction, ensuring consistent airflow and preventing nutrient deficiencies.

Toxicity of Burning bush

Is Burning bush toxic to cat?

The burning bush is a plant known to be toxic to cats. If a cat accidentally consumes any part of this plant, it can result in poisoning. All components of the burning bush—such as flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, stems, bark, and sap/juice—contain harmful compounds, rendering each section a possible risk to feline health. Affected cats may show symptoms of discomfort or disease if poisoned. It is crucial to supervise cats in the vicinity of burning bush and to seek prompt veterinary assistance if ingestion occurs, ensuring that any signs of distress are addressed without delay.

Is Burning bush toxic to dog?

Burning bush is recognized as a toxic species for dogs, posing significant health risks to these animals. Dogs may inadvertently consume parts of the burning bush, which can result in poisoning. The entirety of the plant, comprising flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, stems, bark, and sap/juice, is deemed toxic upon ingestion. After consuming any component of the burning bush, dogs could show distressing symptoms such as gastrointestinal disturbances, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or lethargy. Given the high toxicity levels linked to burning bush, it is essential for dog owners to prevent their pets from accessing this plant and to keep a vigilant watch on them when nearby. Should a dog ingest any part of the burning bush, swift veterinary care is necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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