Burning Bush
Euonymus alatus
A deciduous shrub famous for its spectacular fall color transformation from green to brilliant crimson-red. This low-maintenance shrub creates stunning autumn displays and serves as an excellent foundation planting or hedge. Despite its invasive status in some regions, it remains one of the most sought-after shrubs for reliable fall color.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
4–8
USDA hardiness
Height
15-20 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Burning Bush in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shrub →Zone Map
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Burning Bush · Zones 4–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 15 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet, 12-24 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: High. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Small 1/2 inch long, red, fleshy fruit ripens in fall within a red capsule. This red, pink, ivory to yellow capsule splits to show orange-red seeds in the fall that are attractive to birds. The fall berries are eaten by birds, and the seeds are easily spread by birds. An obovoid, dehiscent capsule; single seed enclosed in orange-red aril.
Color: Cream/Tan, Gold/Yellow, Orange, Pink, Red/Burgundy. Type: Berry, Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Showy
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring
Edibility: Use caution. Many species of this genus are toxic to humans.
History & Origin
Origin: South Siberia to East Asia, Japan and China.
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Compaction, Drought, Erosion
- +Attracts: Wildlife Food Source
- +Wildlife value: Fruit attracts birds who eat the seeds and distribute them. The fall berries are eaten by birds, and the seeds are easily spread. It is attractive to deer. Host plant to many types of beetle.
- +Edible: Use caution. Many species of this genus are toxic to humans.
Considerations
- -Toxic (Bark, Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Sap/Juice, Seeds, Stems): Low severity
- -High maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hostas
Thrives in partial shade created by burning bush, complementary foliage textures
Astilbe
Benefits from filtered light under burning bush canopy, adds spring color contrast
Ferns
Enjoys the cool, moist conditions in burning bush's shade, creates layered woodland effect
Heuchera
Tolerates partial shade, colorful foliage complements fall burning bush display
Japanese Painted Fern
Thrives in dappled shade, silvery foliage contrasts beautifully with burning bush
Caladium
Benefits from filtered sunlight, colorful leaves provide summer interest before fall show
Bergenia
Tolerates shade and dry conditions, evergreen leaves provide year-round structure
Lamium
Excellent groundcover for shade areas, variegated foliage brightens understory
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can stunt growth and cause leaf yellowing
Dense Evergreens
Competes aggressively for water and nutrients, creates too much shade
Large Maple Trees
Shallow root system competes heavily for surface water and nutrients
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, very hardy
Common Pests
Scale insects, spider mites
Diseases
Crown gall, powdery mildew (rare)