Burning bush, also known as Euonymus alatus is a popular ornamental shrub grown for its vibrant red fall foliage. Proper fertilization is key to keeping your burning bush healthy and ensuring it puts on a spectacular color display in autumn. However, not all fertilizers are created equal when it comes to meeting the nutritional needs of this plant. This guide covers the best fertilizer options for burning bush to help you make an informed choice.
When to Fertilize Burning Bush
Timing is important when fertilizing burning bush. The best times to fertilize are
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Early spring as growth resumes – Provides nutrients for new foliage and root development
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Late fall before winter dormancy – Boosts root reserves to prepare for next year’s growth
Avoid fertilizing during summer heat or once winter arrives. Only fertilize once yearly, either in spring or fall. Fertilizing at the wrong time can damage plants.
What to Look for in a Burning Bush Fertilizer
When selecting a fertilizer for burning bush, consider these key factors:
Balanced NPK Ratio
NPK stands for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) – the three macronutrients plants need. Burning bush thrives on a balanced NPK formula like 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. Avoid heavy nitrogen or potassium skews.
Slow-Release Nutrients
Slow-release fertilizers provide a consistent nutrient supply over 8-12 weeks. This prevents nutrientflushing common with quick-release fertilizers that can damage plants.
Additional Micronutrients
Micronutrients like iron, magnesium and sulfur in small doses optimize the health and color of burning bush. Choose fertilizers containing these.
Organic or Synthetic
Both organic and synthetic fertilizers can work well as long as they meet the criteria above. Organic options include bone meal, blood meal, fish emulsion, etc.
The 5 Best Fertilizers for Burning Bush
1. Espoma Plant-tone
An organic all-purpose fertilizer with a balanced 6-3-3 NPK ratio derived from fish meal, bone meal, and potassium sulfate. Contains iron, magnesium, and 11 other essential nutrients. Releases over 6-8 weeks.
2. Jobe’s Organics Shrub & Tree Fertilizer Spikes
Pre-measured slow-release spikes containing bone meal, feather meal, and sulfate of potash. Simply insert in soil and water – no mixing or measuring required. Lasts 2-3 months.
3. Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed
Convenient ready-to-use granules with a 15-30-15 NPK ratio. Just shake over soil around drip line and water in. Feeds up to 3 months with nutrients and iron.
4. Osmocote 19-6-12 Smart-Release Plant Food
Each prill contains 19% nitrogen, 6% phosphorus, and 12% potassium plus magnesium, sulfur and boron. Releases over 5-6 months. Simply scatter on soil.
5. Dr. Earth Alfalfa Meal Fertilizer
All-natural organic alfalfa meal (3-1-2 NPK) plus probiotics and kelp meal. Boosts soil microbes and provides slow-release nutrition.
How to Apply Fertilizer to Burning Bush
Follow label directions carefully when applying any fertilizer:
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Scatter granular fertilizers evenly under the drip line of branches.
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Concentrated liquid fertilizers must be diluted before applying to soil.
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Water thoroughly after applying to move nutrients into the root zone.
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Never place fertilizer in direct contact with stems or leaves.
Signs of Over-fertilization
Too much fertilizer can damage burning bushes. Stop fertilizing if you see:
- Leaf scorch or yellowing
- Minimal flowering
- Excessive foliar growth
- Buildup of salts on soil
To correct, deeply water to flush salts and resume fertilizing at a reduced rate.
Properly fertilizing your burning bush will keep it vibrant for years. Use a balanced slow-release formula in early spring or fall for optimal results. Avoid over-fertilizing and stick to yearly applications for a spectacular display of red fall color.
How to Grow Burning Bush From Seed
Such an easy way for burning bush to spread its seeds makes you might wish it didn’t grow from seeds at all. If you just throw a handful of berries where you want them to grow, you will probably get seedlings from them the next spring. The more likely goal is to stop this plant from spreading its own seeds. This can be done by picking the berries off one by one as they fall off in the fall.
Fertilizer
Once it’s established, burning bush won’t need any extra nutrients, but liquid fertilizer can help young shrubs grow better. Feed a young bush three to four times during its growing season, which lasts from mid-spring to mid-summer. But fertilizer shouldn’t be given to a fully grown plant because it only speeds up its spread.
The Short Guide to the Burning Bush (Euonymus Alatus Compactus)
FAQ
When should I fertilize my burning bush?
How do you rejuvenate a burning bush?
Do burning bushes need a lot of water?
Are burning bush acid loving plants?
How do you fertilize a burning bush?
Testing the soil pH will help you determine if you need to adjust the pH level by adding sulfur or aluminum sulfate. Slow-release fertilizers are an excellent choice for burning bush plants. They release nutrients slowly over time, ensuring that the plant receives a consistent supply of nutrients throughout the growing season.
What kind of soil does a burning bush need?
While it can adapt to most soil types (except for soggy soil with poor drainage), burning bush prefers average soil with a moderate moisture level. It also favors a slightly acidic soil pH but will grow in alkaline or neutral soil, as well. Most important to the plant is its soil’s drainage—too much moisture can lead to root rot.
What fertilizer should I use for burning bush?
Using the correct fertilizer is essential for promoting healthy growth. Burning Bush benefits from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring. This timing supports new growth and helps the plant thrive throughout the season. Balanced Fertilizer: Use a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 formula for even nutrient distribution.
Are slow release fertilizers good for burning bush plants?
Slow-release fertilizers are an excellent choice for burning bush plants. They release nutrients slowly over time, ensuring that the plant receives a consistent supply of nutrients throughout the growing season. Slow-release fertilizers are also less likely to burn the plant’s roots compared to quick-release fertilizers.