Euonymus alatus, commonly known as burning bush and winged spindle, is an ornamental deciduous shrub. The most notable feature is its bright red fall leaves, hence the name burning bush. Its captivating looks made it a popular ornamental plant in parks and gardens all over the world. All parts of Euonymus alatus are toxic when ingested.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Euonymus alatus, known variously as winged spindle, winged euonymus, or burning bush, is a species of flowering plant in the family Celastraceae. Its native distribution extends from northeastern Asia to central China. Besides central and eastern China, Euonymus alatus also appears in Korea, Japan, and the island of Sakhalin in Russia. In its native areas, it occurs in forests, woodlands, and scrublands from sea level to 8,900 ft (2,700 m) elevation.
Euonymus alatus is not native to North America. In the United States, it is found in New England, as well as Illinois, extending south to northern Florida and the Gulf Coast. It is currently considered an invasive species in 21 states.
The common name “burning bush” refers to its bright red fall color.
It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its bright pink or orange fruit and attractive fall color. The cultivars ‘Compactus’ and ‘Fire Ball’ have gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
This deciduous shrub grows to 6.1 m (20 ft) tall, often wider than tall. As with the related Euonymus phellomanus, the stems are notable for their four corky ridges or “wings”. The word alatus (or alata, used formerly) is Latin for “winged,” in reference to the winged branches. These structures develop from a cork cambium deposited in longitudinal grooves in the twigs’ first year, unlike similar wings in other plants. The leaves are 2–7 cm (3⁄4–2+3⁄4 in) long and 1–4 cm (1⁄2–1+1⁄2 in) broad, ovate-elliptic, with an acute apex. The flowers are greenish, borne over a long period in the spring. The fruit is a red aril enclosed by a four-lobed pink, yellow, or orange capsule
All parts of the plant are toxic by ingestion, causing severe discomfort.
This plant is regarded as an invasive species of woodlands in eastern North America, and its importation and sale is prohibited in the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Overall Euonymus varieties need diverse sun exposures, such as bigger trees and giant shrubs require more sun. Some ground cover species need a part and full shades, while some creeping species reach up to the foliage of the host plant foliage to acquire light as they need. They are medium shade tolerant.
Temperature
Dry cold winds are not favored for the growth of burning bush, as it prefers warmer temperatures for its optimum growth potential. The annual day temperature should range between 12 to 20 ℃ whereas night temperatures range is between 4 to 12 ℃. It is fairly tolerant of freezing temperatures in the winter and less tolerant of heat. In addition, burning bush has average water needs. It needs water regularly but overwatering is inappropriate.
Watering
Watering needs of burning bush are critical during the first year of growing, once roots are established it becomes dependent on its roots for moisture absorption from the soil. Generally, burning bush needs 1 mm of water per day in the initial growth stages that may increase up to 3 mm per day with the established plant whereas it is capable to evaporate excessive moisture in the atmosphere. On the other hand, it is capable of withstanding drought when fully developed. Watering in the winter climates is also critical to avoid early desiccation. So keep watering, not flooding your burning bush.
Soil
Burning bush is adaptable from poor to rich soil with medium water holding capacity that is well-drained and aerated. Damp calcareous soils equally favor its growth including compact and dry soils. It is also adaptable to a variety of soil pH where it can successfully grow in acidic to high alkali soils of varying pH ranging from 5.6-7.2. Burning bush can also grow in swamplands, bottomland hardwood forests, thickets and slopes near or on the stream banks. When it becomes fully established, it is exceptionally drought tolerant.
Fertilizing
Usually, burning bush doesn’t need fertilizers for its growth and development but it can be added if you are growing for the purpose of hedging in the landscape gardening during the first year only. NPK(20:20:20) is a major essential nutrients fertilizer that can be added twice to the young plants, i.e. once in the spring and then in early winter. A general recommendation is 1 tablespoon per plant.
Planting Instructions
Planting is done through digging a pit of suitable size at the selected location in the garden that is well aerated and suits the needs of the variety being planted. Dig a pit double the size (in-depth and width) of the pot carrying your plant. Remove all garden soil out of the pit to make an even surface for planting.
Add 5 to 8 cm of the similar garden soil into the pit that was previously removed before placing your plant into the pit, gently. Fill in the pit with remaining garden soil to the surface of the garden soil. Water frequently till the newly added soil becomes settled into the pit.
Keep on watering for the initial 4-5 days and add more garden soil to the desired pit level as needed. Water your plants during the first year of growth regularly until it establishes its root system. The spacing of burning bush to establish hedges is recommended 1 to 1.3 m apart while spacing for the shrubs or small trees is often observed from 2.5 to 3 m apart.
Pruning
Pruning is often practiced on the burning bush grown for hedge formation in the landscapes. Medium to heavy pruning is advised if the purpose is to shape or topiary formation otherwise it goes well unpruned. Winter is the best pruning and trimming time for the burning bush other than evergreen shrubs.
Transplanting
For best results, transplant burning bush during late spring to mid-summer, as it allows for optimal root development. Choose a location with well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Remember to water regularly after transplanting, as burning bush appreciates consistent moisture.
Maintenance
Maintain a check on the regular watering of the newly established plants. Look for any possible signs of diseases or common pests in your area. Mulch your burning bush if temperatures are getting to high to conserve moisture. Remove any undesired plant debris and weeds from the gardening space. In case of severe freezing, make necessary arrangements to save your plants from frost injuries.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
Burning bush is good for planting in gardens, parks, and green belts. It is a popular choice for yards and gardens and is commonly seen. Prized for its vivid red foliage, gardeners plant it to achieve a bright burst of deep red color in Autumn. It is also used to create a framework in the landscape or to cover dark or unappealing garden spaces. It is planted in all garden types, often alongside ornamental grasses and ferns which highlight its vivid colors.
- Medicinal uses
The corky winged stems are utilized in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. It is used to treat conditions such as cancer, hyperglycemia, and diabetic complications. Chemicals that have been isolated from this plant include flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, lignans, cardenolides, phenolic acids, and alkaloids.
