Burning Bush B&B - Not The Biblical One!

The burning bush is a deciduous shrub also called Euonymus atropurpureus or Wahoo. It is popular because of its fiery fall color. It is a native of the Unites States particular to the north-central and eastern parts. Nurseries suggest that pruning may or may not be done. It depends up on the owner to give it a free natural rein or make it look well maintained it makes no difference.

The shrub can grow up to 8m in height. The chief selling point of this shrub is the protruding cork-like strips from the branches of the plant which has also earned it the name of "winged euonymus". The true show of this bush comes alive in autumn when a show of fall foliage is put on. The color during this time ranges from pinkish-red to red combined with berries that are reddish-orange. In the North America, this shrub has an "alien" status they are also invasive which means that they spread out of control. A well-drained soil is required for this plant to thrive along with full sun for optimum fall foliage. To get the best out of this plant, planting in mass quantities is best. It is said that the plant derived its name not only because of the scarlet appearance of the foliage but may be also because of its resemblance to the "burning bush" allusion of Moses in the bible. The tips of the leaves have the best color.

Nurseries sell this shrub in a one gallon small container and irrespective of a big box store or an upscale garden centre, the burning bush shrub is always on sale. If you are aiming to plant this shrub in your garden remember that the shrub is not that small, it can grow up to 10 feet in height and almost the same size or more in width as well. You can of course shear the shrub from time to time to manage the size but remember that shearing will take away its best feature, the red, bright fall color. Ensure that there is a lot of sun light in the area that you are planting the burning bush because if there is shade the leaves, which are otherwise red and beautiful, will turn in to a colorless or washed out pink shade.

The burning bush has a vase like ridged steams with leaves that are pointed ovals and small. They can remain as a bright spot for weeks on end. It spreads when it matures. The yellow insignificant flowers turn bright red. It is used for landscaping, foundation and accent planting, hedges and screening and even for planting in large containers. The shrub is quite adaptable. Nurseries sell a dwarf variety which is good for foundation gardening. It requires a hole that is twice the size of the plant in diameter. The hole needs to be filled with top soil and regularly watered. The growth rate of this shrub is fast and the fruit produced varies from plant to plant. It can withstand alkaline and acidic soils along with varying temperatures.