Dwarf Burning Bush

A popular choice in its species, the Dwarf Burning Bush is an adaptable, easy-to-grow shrub that gives a great splash of color in the fall. Though this will focus on the dwarf variety, the planting information holds true for normal sized Burning Bushes as well.

 The Burning Bush will do best in a well-drained soil in full sun (lots of sun is recommended for the best fall color). Unlike some shrubs, it can handle shade well, though rather than turning bright red in autumn, it will become a faded red or pink. The Burning Bush is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but cannot endure consistently wet conditions. A slow grower, the dwarf variety will only get to be about 10 feet tall and wide, but larger varieties will get to be about 15 feet. The Burning Bush is a flowering shrub, though the blooms are not a predominant feature of the plant. The flowers bloom in early to late spring, are yellow-green and small, and are often hidden by the foliage.  The shrub's fruit is also not a defining feature, as they are often hidden by the foliage as well. Another feature of the Burning Bush is its tolerance for pruning. It can handle anything from being shaped, to a "rejuvenation" pruning. Rejuvenation pruning is cutting the entire shrub back to about 2 feet; this can be helpful if it has gotten too unwieldy and large. So long as it is in good health, it will recover, though at a slow pace.
 
Whether using the Burning Bush as a specimen plant, as a hedge, or in mass groupings, it is sure to bring brilliant fall color to any garden.