How to Grow Red Tip Bushes - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Red tip bushes is a plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the mint family and has small, red flowers. The plant is used as a flavoring in traditional Mediterranean cuisine.

How to Grow Red Tip Bushes - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Fothergilla
  • Witch-hazel
  • Summersweet
  • Buttonbush
  • Sweet Pepperbush

Things to Know

  • They are native to North America.
  • They are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall.
  • They have a distinctive red tip on their leaves.
  • They are a popular choice for landscaping and gardens.
  • They are relatively easy to care for.
  • They require little to no pruning.
  • They are drought-tolerant.
  • They are resistant to deer and rabbits.
  • They can reach up to 6 feet in height.
  • They bloom in the spring with small, white flowers.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Planting Process

  1. For red tip bushes, first step is to find a good location. A spot that gets full sun is best.
  2. Once you have found the perfect spot, it is time to prepare the soil. You will want to loosen the top 12 inches of soil and then mix in some compost.
  3. It is now time to plant your red tip bush. You will want to dig a hole that is twice the width of the pot that the plant is currently in.
  4. Gently remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole you have prepared. Make sure that the roots are covered with soil and then pack the soil around the plant.
  5. Water the plant thoroughly.
  6. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help to keep the soil moist and also help to control weeds.
  7. Red tip bushes need to be pruned each year. This should be done in the late winter or early spring.
  8. Fertilize your red tip bush in the early spring and then again in mid-summer.
  9. Water your bush regularly, especially during periods of drought.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful red tip bush!

Related plant:
Darts Gold Ninebark

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, red tip bushes like a little bit of acidic soil. If the pH is too high, the leaves will turn yellow. You can improve your soil's drainage by adding organic matter to it. Red tip bushes are also sensitive to salt, so if you live in an area with a lot of salt in the soil, you'll need to water your plants more often.

About light

Like the other plants, red tip bushes need sunlight to grow. They are typically found in sunny areas, like fields or along roads. The amount of sun each bush gets each day will affect how well it grows. If a red tip bush isn't getting enough sun, it may not bloom as brightly as one that's getting full sun.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for red tip bushes is warm weather. They can tolerate some cold weather, but their growth will be stunted if the temperature drops too low. They should be planted in an area that gets full sun and has well-drained soil.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves of the plant will turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the plant will become susceptible to fungal diseases.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this kind of plant food is important to red tip bushes because it enriches the root system. A healthy and deep root system is the key to a plant's ability to withstand stress and pests. Fertilizer also promotes growth, so if your red tips are looking a little puny, give them a boost with some fertilizer. Just be sure to follow the package directions carefully, as too much fertilizer can harm the plants.

About light

Pruning is a vital part of keeping your red tip bushes healthy and looking their best. While you can prune them any time of year, late winter or early spring is the ideal time. This gives the plant time to heal and regrow before the hot summer months. When pruning, always remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches first. Then, cut back any overgrown or leggy branches. Finally, shape the plant by removing any stray or unwanted branches.

The Propagation

Propagation is generally done by seed, but can also be done by taking cuttings from the parent plant. When taking cuttings, it is important to make sure that each cutting has at least two leaves, as this will increase the chances of the cutting taking root. The cuttings should be placed in a pot with moistened potting mix and placed in a bright, but not direct, light. After a few weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can then be transplanted into their own pots.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 6 and 12 inches per year. However, this can vary depending on the specific variety of bush, the amount of sunlight and water it receives, and the type of soil in which it is planted. Some red tip bushes can grow as much as 24 inches in a single year under ideal conditions.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, aphids, and mites. These pests can be controlled with various methods including chemical, biological, and cultural control. Chemical control options include insecticidal soap, neem oil, and horticultural oil. Biological control options include ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites. Cultural control options include pruning, sanitation, and planting resistant varieties.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water your red tip bush regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Fertilize your red tip bush every few weeks during the growing season to ensure vigorous growth.
  • Prune your red tip bush regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that can affect your red tip bush, and take action immediately if you spot any problems.
  • Place your red tip bush in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  • Keep the soil around your red tip bush moist but not soggy.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, consider covering your red tip bush with a burlap sack or other type of protective covering.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different pruning techniques to achieve the desired look for your red tip bush.
  • propagating your red tip bush by taking softwood cut

Substitution

  • Red-Tip Photinia
  • Red-Tip Cherry
  • Red-Tip Cotoneaster
  • Red-Tip Clethra
  • Red-Tip Pentas
  • Red-Tip Eucalyptus
  • Red-Tip Gaura
  • Red-Tip Abelia
  • Red-Tip Hibiscus
  • Red-Tip Ilex

Source:
Redosier dogwood | UMN Extension
Red maple | UMN Extension - University of Minnesota
Buttonbush: The Native, Moisture-Loving Shrub - Penn State Extension

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