Burning Bush Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'

Water

For the Dwarf Burning Bush, ensure the soil is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season in spring and summer, water thoroughly once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant. In the absence of rainfall, increase watering frequency to twice a week. During fall and winter, reduce watering to every other week unless there is sufficient rain. New plantings require more frequent watering, about two to three times per week, to establish roots.

Light

The Dwarf Burning Bush prefers full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would provide at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, which ensures vibrant fall coloration. If grown in too much shade, the plant may not develop its characteristic bright red foliage in autumn.

Temperature

The Dwarf Burning Bush is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, surviving in zones 4-8. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to -30°F and is comfortable in typical summer highs up to 90°F. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 60°F and 80°F for healthy growth.

Pruning

Prune the Dwarf Burning Bush to shape and maintain size, as well as to remove any dead or diseased branches. The best time for pruning is late winter to early spring before new growth starts. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to keep the plant within its desired bounds and to promote healthy, dense foliage.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Burning Bush prefers a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically between 6.0 and 7.5. A mixture of loam, peat, and perlite or sand can provide the proper drainage and aeration this shrub requires.

Repotting

The Dwarf Burning Bush is not commonly repotted as it is a shrub; it should rather be planted in-ground or in a large outdoor container and transplanted only when necessary, typically every 3 to 5 years to refresh the soil.

Humidity & Misting

The Dwarf Burning Bush tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average outdoor conditions, with no specific humidity requirements necessary for its well-being.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light; water when topsoil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade. Mulch root zone. Water deeply.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Burning Bush 'Compactus' (Euonymus alatus 'Compactus') begins its life cycle as a seed, which generally requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy and germinate. Once conditions are favorable, typically in spring, the seedling emerges, developing roots and a shoot system. As the plant matures, it develops into a dense, compact shrub with a strong, woody stem structure and distinctive green foliage. During its growth, it undergoes a vegetative stage where it invests its energy in producing leaves, stems, and roots. The Burning Bush 'Compactus' reaches reproductive maturity and blooms in late spring to early summer, producing small, inconspicuous greenish flowers that are followed by red fruits, which can attract birds and other wildlife. Finally, the plant enters a period of senescence in old age where growth slows, and it may eventually die after many years, completing its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter-early spring

• The most popular method of propagating the Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus 'Compactus') is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring to early summer, when the plant's new growth is still flexible and not yet woody. A cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, with several pairs of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one node (where the leaves were removed) is buried, as roots will form from this point. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should be placed in a spot with indirect light until roots have established, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new Burning Bush can be transplanted to a more permanent location.