How to Grow Red Burning Bush - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Red burning bush is a plant that is native to eastern North America. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be 6-8 feet tall and wide. The leaves of the red burning bush are elliptical in shape and are a bright, deep green color. The flowers of the red burning bush are small and white and appear in clusters. The fruit of the red burning bush is a small, red berry.

How to Grow Red Burning Bush - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Burning bush
  • Torchwood
  • Red-hot pokers
  • Firethorn
  • Painted bushes

Things to Know

  • The red burning bush is a shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall.
  • The leaves of the red burning bush are elliptical in shape and are green in color with a red hue.
  • The flowers of the red burning bush are small and red in color.
  • The red burning bush is native to the Mediterranean region.
  • The red burning bush is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the world.
  • The red burning bush is known to be a source of nectar for bees and other insects.
  • The red burning bush is known to be a food source for deer and other mammals.
  • The red burning bush is used as an ornamental plant in many gardens.
  • The red burning bush is known to be poisonous to humans and animals if ingested.
  • The red burning bush is a member of the Euonymus family.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

How to Grow

  1. For red burning bush, first step is to choose a sunny spot in your yard with well-drained soil.
  2. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the red burning bushÂ’s root ball.
  3. After that, mix some compost into the hole.
  4. Then, place the red burning bush in the hole and backfill with the amended soil.
  5. Tamp down the soil gently.
  6. Water the plant deeply.
  7. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant, but keep it away from the trunk.
  8. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring.
  9. Fertilize the red burning bush in early spring.
  10. Finally, enjoy your beautiful plant!

Related plant:
Osmanthus Heterophyllus Purpureus

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the ground was so dry that when I touched it, it instantly became a pile of dust. There was no grass, no life, and the dirt was a deep red. I later found out that the red color was caused by a high concentration of iron in the soil.

About light

So, like the other plants, the red burning bush needs sunlight to grow. It will do best in a spot that gets full sun to partial sun throughout the day. If you live in a hot climate, some afternoon shade will be appreciated. This plant is not particular about soil type as long as it is well-drained.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature of a burning bush can range from smoldering to scorching. The temperature will depend on the amount of fuel and oxygen available to the fire. a bush on fire in a high oxygen environment will burn hotter than one in a low oxygen environment.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the humidity drops below 30%, the plant will start to experience stress. If the humidity stays below 20% for an extended period of time, the plant will start to die.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this type of plant doesn't need much. A light feeding in early spring, before new growth begins, is all that's necessary. Be careful not to overdo it, especially with nitrogen-rich fertilizers, as too much can burn the roots.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your red burning bush healthy and looking its best. To prune, first wait until the bush is dormant in late winter. Then, using sharp pruning shears, cut away any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Next, cut back any overgrown or leggy branches to encourage new growth. Finally, shape the bush by pruning any branches that are growing in the wrong direction.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is the process of growing new plants from existing ones. In the case of the red burning bush, this can be done by taking stem cuttings from an existing plant and rooting them in soil. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, non-flowering stems and placed in a well-drained potting mix. The mix should be kept moist but not soggy, and the cuttings should be placed in a bright, indirect light. Once the cuttings have rooted and begun to grow, they can be transplanted into individual pots.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about one to two feet per year. However, in ideal conditions, some plants have been known to grow up to five feet in a single year. The key to achieving this growth rate is to provide the plant with plenty of water and sunlight.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew and leaf spot. These problems are caused by fungi that live on the surface of the leaves and cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off. The best way to prevent these problems is to water the plant in the morning so the leaves can dry off during the day.

Basics of Growing

  • Do not forget to water your red burning bush plant regularly. The plant cannot survive without water.
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer to your red burning bush plant every month.
  • Place the red burning bush plant in an area that receives plenty of sunlight.
  • Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Protect the plant from extreme cold or heat.
  • Keep the plant away from Drafts.
  • Check the plant for pests and diseases regularly.
  • Provide adequate drainage to the plant.
  • Give the plant some space to grow. Do not overcrowd it.
  • Enjoy the beauty of your red burning bush plant!

Alternative Plants

  • burning bush
  • bushfire
  • junk bush
  • leaf fire
  • matchwood
  • pitch pine
  • pussy willow
  • Norway spruce
  • Scotch broom
  • sendal wood

Source:
Burning Bush | University of Maryland Extension - UMD
BURNING BUSH - EUONYMUS ALATUS | The UFOR Nursery
Euonymus (Burning Bush, Hearts-a-bustin', Spindletree, Strawberry Bush ...

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category