Why is my Burning Bush....?

Question

I have several burning bush shrubs that I planted last fall and a couple of them have already turned a burnt orange (not bright) color...why? Is it normal for them to start turning color in July, or would be lack or water, or something else? We live in zone 5.

Answer 1

We've been having a strange summer. I've got flowers in my garden that have been in bloom 2 to 3 weeks earlier than normal. In summers where the temperatures are above normal it's not unusual for trees and shrubs to start turning color earlier than normal. I noticed this with maples in my yard a few years back when the summer was hotter than normal. This may be what's happening to your bushes. It's possible their cycle started earlier and it's ending earlier as a result. Also, when summers are dry, trees and shrubs will turn earlier. Did your bushes get plenty of water this year? It could be a combination of hotter temperatures and less water that's making them turn earlier.

Answer 2

Not sure if by Zone 5 you mean northeast or mid-west, but I know the mid-west has had terribly stressful weather this season (as compared to the northeast's hot, but mostly wet. summer). Dull orange this time of year on a burning bush (Euonymus alatus-native type, Euonymus alatus 'Compacta') is not normal. Hopefully it's just a few leaves, and they will drop.

When a plant is stressed, its instinct is to save the roots, so it will drop leaves if needed to conserve energy. It couls also be an insect or disease problem, but these shrubs are almost indestructable, so it's more likely that it's weather related.

Last year's fall planting makes it a recent installation, and you should be monitoring the watering of these shrubs for at least a year. They are not ready to go it alone just yet.

Answer 3

Sounds like they are dying or stressed from too much or too little water. It's too early for them to be turning naturally.

Answer 4

They'll be ok . Since its there first season thats why. just keep them watered