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The common name, burning bush, suggests that the plant’s leaves will blaze a fiery red, and that’s exactly what they are supposed to do. If your burning bush does not turn red, it’s a great disappointment. Why won’t burning bush turn red? There is more than one possible answer to that question. Read on for the most likely reasons your burning bush isn’t changing color.
Burning bushes (Euonymus alatus) are one of the most popular landscape shrubs, known for their vibrant red fall foliage. But when exactly do these shrubs transform from green to fiery red? In this article we’ll discuss the timeline for when burning bushes turn red.
Overview of Burning Bushes
Let’s start with a quick overview of burning bushes
- Burning bushes are deciduous shrubs native to Asia.
- They can grow 6-10 feet tall and wide.
- The leaves emerge light green in spring and transition to dark green as they mature over summer.
In fall, the green chlorophyll in the leaves starts to break down, allowing the underlying red pigment to show through. This results in the foliage turning bright crimson red. The red leaves provide a pop of color in the landscape before dropping in late fall or early winter.
When Do Burning Bushes Change Color?
The exact timing of when a burning bush turns red depends on a few factors:
Location
Burning bushes in cooler climates with earlier fall frosts will start changing color earlier, generally in September. In warmer zones, the color change may be delayed until October or even early November.
Sun Exposure
Burning bushes need full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun daily) for the brightest red foliage. With insufficient sunlight, the leaves may only turn reddish-orange or pink rather than vivid red.
Weather
Cool nights and bright sunny days accelerate the breakdown of green chlorophyll in leaves. This reveals the red pigment faster. Cloudy, rainy weather can slow down the change.
Age of Plant
Younger burning bushes may not turn as vibrantly red as mature plants. The red coloring often intensifies as the shrubs get older.
Growing Conditions
Stressed burning bushes, whether from drought, pests, or poor soil conditions, can have muted fall colors. Healthy, vigorous shrubs have the best color.
Typical Timeline
With all those factors in mind, here is the typical timeline for when burning bushes turn red:
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Early September – Leaves start changing along outer branches, especially in cooler climates.
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Mid-to-late September – More leaves transform, progressing inward from outer branches. Foliage is a mix of green and red.
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Early October – Peak color is reached. Foliage is entirely bright crimson red in most climates.
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Mid-to-late October – Leaves start dropping. Some may still cling to branches into early November before fully shedding for winter.
So in most cases, you can expect burning bushes to be near peak red color in early October. But keep an eye on your shrubs in September to catch the start of the transition from green to red. The intense red display generally only lasts 2-3 weeks before the leaves drop.
Why Stay Green?
Sometimes, burning bushes don’t change color as expected. There are a few reasons why your burning bush may stay green:
Insufficient Sunlight
Lack of full sun is the most common reason for a burning bush to stay green. These shrubs need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily for the red pigment to develop. With too much shade, you may see only partial color change.
Improper Variety
If some shrubs in a grouping turn red but others stay green, the green ones may be a different Euonymus variety that doesn’t change color. Always verify the exact species when purchasing.
Too Young
Younger, immature burning bushes may not turn as red. The coloration often improves as the shrubs mature over time.
Individual Variation
Occasionally, an individual shrub may stay green or turn only slightly red even in ideal conditions. This seems to be random variation between plants.
Warm Fall Weather
In very warm autumns, burning bushes in sheltered areas may remain green until a hard frost occurs. Cooler temperatures induce the color change.
Other Stress Factors
Lack of water, compacted soil, disease, and pests can all impact fall color. Ensure shrubs are healthy for best color development.
Caring for Your Burning Bush
Here are some tips for growing vibrant red burning bushes:
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Plant in full sun, preferably with morning exposure.
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Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
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Mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
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Prune lightly in late winter to improve air circulation.
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Fertilize in early spring and mid-summer.
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Monitor for pests and diseases. Treat issues promptly.
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Avoid compacting the soil around the shrub.
Follow these burning bush care guidelines, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning red fall color year after year.
Enjoy the Fall Display
Burning bushes are one of the easiest ways to inject vivid red into your autumn landscape. With their brilliant foliage, these shrubs will be ablaze in your yard. Just be patient as the color develops through September. Before you know it, your burning bushes will be turning heads with their fiery fall spectacle!
Burning Bush Stays Green
When you buy a young burning bush (Euonymus alata), its leaves may be green. You will often see green burning bush plants in nurseries and garden stores. The leaves always grow in green but then they are supposed to change to red as summer arrives. If your green burning bush plants stay green, something is amiss. The most likely problem is lack of sufficient sun, but other issues may be at play when your burning bush isn’t changing color.
What do burning bushes look like in the fall?
FAQ
How do I get my burning bush to turn red?
Sunlight Requirements
It develops and comes into its well-known bright red color when planted and grown in full sunlight. It can however, become very red in areas that receive a few hours of shade each day. This brilliant shrub does very well in areas with a strong hot sun, followed by light, shade in the afternoon.
Do all burning bushes turn red in the fall?
We have a burning bush that doesn’t “burn” (turn red) in the fall. It is otherwise healthy and growing in a sheltered southern exposure. Shade and too much nitrogen fertilizer can result in little or no fall color on this and other deciduous plants.
Why are burning bushes illegal?
Burning bushes (Euonymus alatus) are considered invasive in many areas and are banned or restricted in some states due to their tendency to outcompete native plants and disrupt ecosystems.
What time of year do burning bushes bloom?
The Burning Bush is a flowering shrub, though the blooms are not a predominant feature of the plant. The flowers bloom in early to late spring, are yellow-green and small, and are often hidden by the foliage. The shrub’s fruit is also not a defining feature, as they are often hidden by the foliage as well.