I have a row of burning bushes in the front of my house by my porch. Last year they looked great, but... recently the leaves have started to turn a yellowish green and have started to fall off the branches. Can you tell me what the problem might be?
Thanks

Burning Bush or Euonymous alatus is a very common garden plant in Kentuckiana and beyond. And with very good reason! It is readily available in the industry, transplants easily and has a wide range of uses in the garden.

Burning bushes are often used as hedges, given plenty of space; they will make a dense hedge that requires no pruning. They are also used in mixed border plantings to provide fall color, and as specimen plants and masses.

Depending on the cultivar, burning bushes will range from about 6 feet high and wide to 20 feet. Some cultivars have very corky growths (wings) on the stems. that add to the interest of the plant. The most common cultivar in the industry now by far is ‘Compactus’. Some designers may even be of the opinion that this plant is overused.

The fall color is perhaps the best feature of the burning bush. The plant will turn an almost florescent burgundy-red. It can be especially effective near a water feature that will reflect the glorious fall color.

There are few insect or disease problems that will affect this plant, the two spotted mite has been an increasingly destructive pest in Kentuckiana in recent years. The plants will show premature color when under stress (whether from physiological problems or from mite problems). Mites will cause leaves to turn brown and drop off as well. Control mites with strong sprays from a high pressure garden hose, lightweight horticultural oil, or insecticidal soap. Or in the worst cases, you’ll need a miticide. The plant will generally color up better in fall when planted in full sun, but will also perform quite nicely in heavy shade.

It is very adaptable to a variety of soil conditions-except water logged soils or extremely dry soils.

Burning bushes can be pruned if necessary during almost anytime of the year, as they are going into dormancy in fall (late August, September, October) is the only time that you wan to avoid pruning.