Burning bush (Euonymus alatus) is a deciduous shrub that is popular in North American landscaping. The dense, multi-stemmed, rounded shrub gets its common name from the transformation of its medium-green elliptical leaves into brilliant red fall foliage.
Best planted in the fall or spring from a container-grown nursery plant, burning bush grows at a moderate pace, adding about a foot of growth per year, and requires full sunlight. If properly maintained, it will survive for decades.
Burning bush is hard to control, since it readily spreads by birds and other animals who eat the berries and “deposit” the seeds wide and far. It is considered an invasive species in most of the eastern United States.
The burning bush also known as Euonymus alatus, is a popular ornamental shrub grown for its fiery red foliage that lights up gardens and landscapes in the fall. However getting that vibrant fall color requires proper care, especially when it comes to fertilization. Choosing the right fertilizer and proper application is key to keeping your burning bushes healthy, promoting growth, and ensuring a spectacular color display year after year.
Understanding the Fertilizer Needs of Burning Bush
Fertilizer provides essential nutrients that all plants need to thrive Burning bush benefits from fertilizers that are balanced and provide key nutrients over an extended period
When selecting fertilizer for burning bush, keep these key factors in mind:
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Balanced NPK ratio – Nitrogen (N) promotes leaf and shoot growth, phosphorus (P) supports root growth and establishment, and potassium (K) enhances overall plant vigor. Look for an NPK ratio where the numbers are relatively equal, such as 10-10-10.
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Slow or controlled-release – Slow or controlled release fertilizers provide nutrients gradually over 8-12 weeks. This is better than quick-release fertilizers where nutrients can easily leach out.
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Micronutrients – Micronutrients like iron, magnesium, and sulfur are important for optimum plant health and color. Choose fertilizers containing these.
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Organic or synthetic – Both organic and synthetic fertilizers can work well as long as they meet the above criteria. Organic options include bone meal, blood meal, alfalfa meal, etc.
When to Fertilize Burning Bushes
Proper timing of fertilizer applications is crucial. The best times to fertilize burning bushes are:
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Early spring – Fertilizing in early spring just as new growth emerges provides nutrients for healthy foliage development and prepares plants for the growing season.
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Late fall – A late fall fertilizing before winter dormancy helps establish reserves to support next year’s growth and color.
Avoid fertilizing during the heat of summer or once cold weather and dormancy hits in winter. Stick to fertilizing only once a year, either in spring or fall based on the above timing recommendations. Fertilizing at the wrong time of year can damage plants.
5 Best Fertilizers for Vibrant Burning Bushes
1. Espoma Plant-tone
An organic all-purpose fertilizer with bone meal, fish meal, and other natural ingredients providing a balanced 6-3-3 NPK ratio. Contains iron, magnesium, and 11 other essential nutrients. Releases steadily over 6-8 weeks.
2. Jobe’s Organics Shrub & Tree Fertilizer Spikes
Pre-measured spikes can be inserted into the ground around bushes, delivering bone meal, feather meal, and other organic nutrients steadily for 2-3 months as they dissolve. No mixing or measuring required.
3. Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed
Popular ready-to-use synthetic fertilizer with a 15-30-15 NPK ratio. Just shake over soil around drip line and water in. Feeds up to 3 months with nutrients plus iron for deep green color.
4. Espoma Holly-tone
Formulated specifically for acid-loving plants like burning bush, this organic fertilizer has an NPK ratio of 5-3-3. Contains iron, sulfur, and other key nutrients for vibrant color. Releases over 3-4 months.
5. Dr. Earth Alfalfa Meal Fertilizer
All-natural fertilizer derived from alfalfa meal that has an NPK ratio of 3-1-2 plus probiotics and kelp meal to nourish soil. Provides slow, steady nutrient release.
How to Apply Fertilizer to Burning Bushes
Always follow label directions carefully when applying any type of fertilizer:
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For granular fertilizers, scatter evenly under the drip line of branches and avoid placing directly on stems or leaves.
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Concentrated liquid fertilizers must be diluted per instructions before applying to soil around drip line.
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Thoroughly water after applying any fertilizer to wash nutrients into the root zone.
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For spikes, insert them 6-8 inches into the soil near the drip line and water in.
Signs of Too Much Fertilizer
While burning bushes thrive on regular fertilization, it is possible to overdo it. Signs of too much fertilizer include:
- Scorched or yellowed leaf edges
- Minimal flowering
- Excessive foliar growth at the expense of blooms
- Salt accumulation on soil
If you notice these issues, deeply water to flush salts from soil and resume fertilizing at a reduced application rate.
Choosing the right fertilizer and properly applying it in spring and/or fall is vital to keep your burning bushes thriving year after year. Look for balanced slow-release fertilizers that provide essential macro and micronutrients. Organic options like alfalfa meal or synthetic fertilizers like Shake ‘N Feed are good choices. With the proper fertilizer and care, you’ll be rewarded with vibrant red fall foliage in your burning bushes season after season.
Light
Plant burning bush in an area that gets full sunlight, gifting the plant with rays for at least six to eight hours a day. 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.
How to Grow Burning Bush From Seed
Burning bush self-seeds so readily that you are likely to lament the fact that it grows from seeds at all. Simply scattering a handful of berries in the desired location will very likely result in volunteer seedlings the next spring.
The more likely goal is to prevent this plant from self-seeding, which can be accomplished by systematically removing the berries before they ripen in fall.
How to grow Dwarf Burning Bush with detailed description
FAQ
How do you rejuvenate a burning bush?
Rejuvenation of a Burning Bush
Rejuvenation is simply severely cutting back the plant so that it can grow all new growth.
Are burning bush acid-loving plants?
It prefers a well-drained soil. The PH levels of the soil have no effect on how the Burning Bush grows. This shrub has the ability to grow in all soil PH levels but they do tend to favor acidic soil with PH levels of 6.0-6.5.
How often should a burning bush be watered?
Water your Burning bush twice per week during the growing season. Always check the soil moisture before watering to prevent overwatering. Adjust your watering schedule based on weather changes, especially during hot, dry periods. A Burning bush thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Why are the leaves on my burning bush turning yellow?
How do you fertilize a burning bush?
Testing the soil pH will help you determine if you need to adjust the pH level by adding sulfur or aluminum sulfate. Slow-release fertilizers are an excellent choice for burning bush plants. They release nutrients slowly over time, ensuring that the plant receives a consistent supply of nutrients throughout the growing season.
What kind of soil does a burning bush need?
Soil Preferences Burning Bush tolerate a wide range of soil. They grow best in a moist but well-drained moist soil of average fertility. When established, dry soil conditions are tolerated. Constantly soggy or wet soil can be problematic.
Do burning bush plants need fertilizer?
Burning bush plants require a balanced supply of nutrients, and high-nitrogen fertilizers can upset this balance. Fertilizer should never be applied directly to leaves or stems as it can burn or damage them. Always apply fertilizer directly to the soil around the base of the plant. 1. How often should I fertilize my burning bush plant?
What nutrients do burning bush plants need?
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the three essential nutrients that burning bush plants need in equal amounts. When choosing a fertilizer, look for one that contains a balanced ratio of these three nutrients. The best time to fertilize your burning bush plant is in early spring when new growth begins to emerge.
How often should you fertilize a burning bush?
Timing is important when fertilizing burning bush. The best times to fertilize are Avoid fertilizing during summer heat or once winter arrives. Only fertilize once yearly, either in spring or fall. Fertilizing at the wrong time can damage plants. When selecting a fertilizer for burning bush, consider these key factors:
Should you fertilize a burning bush during winter?
It can also cause excessive growth, leading to weak stems and branches that are susceptible to breakage. Fertilizing your burning bush plant during late summer or fall can stimulate new growth, which is vulnerable to frost damage during winter. It’s best to avoid fertilizing during this time and focus on preparing the plant for winter dormancy.