Burning Bush

Euonymus alatus

Burning Bush earns its name every autumn — the entire shrub ignites into the most intense, electric red fall color of any landscape plant. Nothing else comes close to this shade of scarlet. In summer it's a tidy green mound. 'Compacta' stays 6-8 feet; the straight species can reach 15 feet. Widely planted for a reason — pure fall fire.

Hardiness Zones

4-8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Water Needs

Moderate

Maintenance

Low

Mature Size

6-10 ft H × 6-10 ft W

Growth Rate

Moderate

Bloom Season

Spring (insignificant)

Bloom Color

Brilliant scarlet-red fall foliage

Care Guide

Plant in full sun for most intense fall color. Any soil. Prune in late winter to maintain size. Very few pests. Check local regulations — considered invasive in some northeastern states. 'Compacta' is the most common landscape form. Virtually maintenance-free.

Landscape Uses

Specimen shrubFoundation plantingsHedgingFall focal pointScreening

Best Growing Regions

northeastmidwestmountain

Great Companion Plants

BoxwoodBuxus sempervirens

Arborvitae

Japanese MapleAcer palmatum

Ornamental Grasses

HostaHosta spp.

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