What You Need To Know About Growing a Burning Bush
Last updated: October 18, 2016
Have you notice the red burning bushes this fall?
Are you looking for a shrub that brings bright color to a cloudy fall day?
If you were to visit my house, you would see a line of stunning burning bushes in the backyard. On this cloudy fall day, they offer beautiful red foliage that brightens the landscaping. This is a must have shrub for every garden.
Our friends at The Garden Helper tell us that the burning bush is also known as the gas plant for this reason:
The Burning Bush, or Gas Plant as it is sometimes called, earned its name because of the phenomina created by the fact that the leathery green leaves, flowers and seed pods give off a strong lemon scented vapor which, on a calm summer night can be ignited with a match.
Here is what you need to know about a burning bush.
- This shrub is a perennial that is great for Zones 4-9. Don’t know what zone you live in? Stop by How to Understand Gardening Zones to find out.
- Full sun is best but in the hot summer months, the burning bush will tolerate some shade.
- Burning bushes can grow up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
- Planting in well drained and oxygenated soil will give this shrub its best chance. The optimal way to enable well drained soil and provide soil oxygenation is to install Rootwells. Rootwell Pro318s are vertical cylinders that get water, nutrients and oxygen to the roots of bushes and trees. By providing these three important elements, burning bushes have a greater chance of survival.
- If you are growing your burning bush from seed it may take up to 4 years for the shrub to bloom.
- According to Greenwood Nursery, there is an orange red fruit that the burning bush produces that can be used for feeding winter wildlife.
What is your favorite fall plant, shrub or tree? I know one of my favorites if the burning bush, but I also love mums.
