Burning bush (Euonumus alatus) is a tough but attractive landscape plant, popular in mass and hedge plantings. If you need several plants for your landscape design, why not try propagating your own? This article explains how to propagate a burning bush.
Can You Propagate Burning Bush from Seeds?
The easiest and surest way to propagate a burning bush is from cuttings taken in spring. These cuttings from new growth are called softwood cuttings. The stem is at the right stage of maturity to root easily if the tip snaps in two when you bend it in half. Rooting a burning bush from softwood cuttings is not only faster, but it also ensures that you'll get a plant with the same characteristics as the parent shrub. Burning bush grows from seeds, but it is much slower than taking cuttings. Collect the seeds in autumn and place them in a jar of sand. Refrigerate them at about 40 degrees F. (4 C.) for at least three months to encourage them to break dormancy. Plant the seeds in summer when the soil is warm. It takes them about eight weeks to germinate.
How to Propagate Burning Bush Cuttings
Collect burning bush cuttings in the morning when the stems are well-hydrated. The morning after a drenching rain is best, or you can water the shrub the night before. Cut the stem about an inch (2.5 cm.) below the second set of leaves. If you aren't going to take the cuttings indoors right away, place them in a plastic bag with moist paper towels and place them in the shade. Pinch off the bottom set of leaves and cut the top leaves in half if they will touch the soil when you insert the stem 1.5 to 2 inches (4-5 cm.) into the rooting mix. A rooting mix that holds a lot of moisture encourages the lower end of the stem to rot. Choose a mix that drains freely or mix three parts perlite with one part regular potting mix. Fill a pot to within one-half inch (1 cm.) of the top with the mix. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, deep enough to cover the nodes where you removed the lower leaves. If using a powdered rooting hormone, dip the stem in water first so the powder will stick to the stem. Use a pencil to make a hole in the rooting mix so that you don't scrape the rooting hormone off when you insert the stem in the pot. Insert the lower 1 1/2 to 2 inches (4-5 cm.) of stem into the rooting mix. Firm the soil around the stem so that it stands upright. Cover the potted stem with a gallon milk jug that has the bottom cut out. This forms a mini greenhouse that keeps the air around the stem moist and increases the chances of successful burning bush propagation. Spray the cutting and the surface of the soil with water when the top of the soil begins to dry. Check for roots after three weeks and every week thereafter. If there are no roots coming out of the bottom of the pot, give the stem a gentle tug. If it comes up easily, there are no roots to hold it in place and the plant needs more time. Remove the milk jug when the cutting develops roots, and gradually move the bush into brighter light.
-
Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday DisplayWhether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
-
Forage For Herbs: 7 Tasty And Safe Wild Herbs To Pick Close To Your Own BackyardIn addition to growing your own herbal staples, did you know there are several wild options out there that are safe and tasty – and free? Try foraging these 7 wild herbs
-
Is Burning Bush Bad – Tips On Burning Bush Control In LandscapesBurning bush has long been a popular ornamental shrub in many U.S. yards and gardens. Unfortunately, it has proven to be invasive too. Click here for more.
-
Why Won’t Burning Bush Turn Red – Reasons A Burning Bush Stays GreenThe common name, burning bush, suggests that the plant?s leaves will blaze a fiery red, and that?s exactly what they are supposed to do. If your burning bush does not turn red, it?s a great disappointment. Why won?t burning bush turn red? This article will help.
-
Burning Bush Relocation – How To Move A Burning BushBecause they're so striking, it's hard to give up on a burning bush if it can't stay in the spot currently planted. Luckily, burning bush relocation is reasonably easy and has a pretty high success rate. Get information on transplanting these shrubs in this article.
-
Why Burning Bush Is Turning Brown: Problems With Burning Bush Leaves Turning BrownBurning bush shrubs seem to be able to stand up to almost anything. That's why gardeners are surprised when they find burning bush leaves turning brown. Find out why these sturdy shrubs brown and what to do about it in this article.
-
Insects On Burning Bush Leaves – How To Treat Bugs On Burning Bush PlantsOne of the problems you may have with beautiful burning bush shrubs is insect pests. This article tells you what to do when you see insects on burning bush leaves. Click here for additional information that will help.
-
Learn About The Care Of Burning Bush - How To Grow A Burning Bush PlantGardeners who want a burst of crimson color in fall should learn how to grow a burning bush. This bush has a natural form that shows well in borders, beds and even containers. Read this article to learn more.
-
Pruning A Burning Bush - When To Prune Burning Bush PlantsBurning bush is a dramatic addition to any garden or landscape. While it is a popular shrub, burning bush is also a shrub that is prone to a??overgrowinga?? its space. Get tips on pruning these shrubs in this article.
