Euonymus - Burning Bush - Deciduous
Common Names: Euonymus, Burning Bush, Winged Euonymus, Winged Spindle, Cork Bush
Botanical names: Euonymus alatus
Availability: Spring through fall. Fall is peak availability. After leaf drop the bare stems with corky “wings” can be used for textural, architectural elements in designs.
Vase life: 7 to 10 days
Storage temperatures: 34 - 41 degrees Fahrenheit
Ethylene Sensitive: Yes
Description: Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) is renowned for its dramatic foliage transformation. Throughout spring and summer, the leaves are a deep green with a slightly leathery texture and a clean, elliptical shape. As autumn arrives, the foliage shifts to an intense, fiery red—one of the most vivid and consistent displays of fall color among deciduous shrubs. Each leaf is arranged oppositely on distinctive corky, winged stems (a trait that gives the plant its nickname, “winged euonymus”). The bold color and structural branching make Burning Bush a striking choice in both garden landscapes and seasonal floral designs.
Color: Deep green through bright red
Botanical facts: Native to Eastern Asia – primarily China, Japan, and Korea
Design notes: Burning Bush foliage adds seasonal drama and bold contrast to floral compositions. Its vibrant red foliage, available in autumn, is ideal for creating visual emphasis. The elliptical leaves add soft structure, while the fiery color draws the eye and evokes a sense of warmth and transition.
Purchasing hints: Purchase undamaged stems with turgid glossy foliage. Avoid stems exhibiting leaf fall.
Conditioning: Cut the stem ends with as sharp knife. Hydrate in water mixed with a commercial floral food for two hours before storage or usage.
Additional notes: Often used ornamentally in landscaping for its brilliant fall display. Considered invasive in many U.S. states due to aggressive spreading in wild areas.
Video Demonstration: