Fire Ball Burning Bush
Best low-maintenance shrub for vibrant, cold-hardy privacy hedges.
The Fire Ball® Burning Bush, a Proven Winners ColorChoice shrub, offers exceptional cold tolerance for vibrant fall color even in harsh winters. Its leaves transform into a brilliant blazing red as temperatures drop. With a compact habit and tight branching, it's ideal for creating privacy hedges or serving as a striking specimen plant. This shrub is easy to care for, providing reliable seasonal color to your landscape with minimal effort.
$24.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
785
/ 2609
#785 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-37%
Below average
Botanical name
Euonymus alatus 'Select'
/ Euonymus alatus 'Select'
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-impact autumn foliage displays
- Homeowners with limited space needing tidy, low-maintenance shrubs
- Landscapers dealing with challenging soil or light conditions
Who should skip it
- Eco-conscious gardeners living in regions with invasive species restrictions
- Busy gardeners wanting to avoid intensive pest management routines
- Designers prioritizing year-round visual interest in their landscapes
Performance breakdown
Cold Hardiness
Thrives in harsh northern climates where other shrubs often fail.
Fall Foliage Impact
Delivers a stunning, high-intensity red display as the season turns.
Maintenance Requirements
Requires minimal pruning and care to maintain its compact shape.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters rabbits, protecting your landscape investment from common garden pests.
Versatility
Functions equally well as a structured hedge or standalone focal point.
Growth Habit
Tight, dense branching creates a clean and professional landscape aesthetic.
Key Specs
Botanical name
Euonymus alatus 'Select'
USDA Hardiness Zones
4 - 8
Mature Height
7 feet
Mature Spread
7 feet
Light Requirement
Full Sun
Flower Color
Green, insignificant
Foliage Color
Green, turning bright red in fall
Bloom Season
Spring
Features
- Superior cold tolerance for harsh winters
- Vibrant blazing-red fall foliage
- Compact habit for privacy hedges
- Virtually maintenance-free growth
- Rabbit resistant
- Ideal as a specimen or foundation planting
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly celebrate the Fire Ball Burning Bush for its spectacular and reliable autumn display. The intense, fiery scarlet color establishes it as a landscape centerpiece. Gardeners appreciate its compact, dense, and naturally rounded habit, which requires minimal pruning, making it perfect for smaller spaces. While the quality and robust growth are highly praised, a recurring point is the slow growth rate initially, which can test the patience of some buyers. Despite a premium price, most users agree the unparalleled seasonal impact and superior performance justify the investment, viewing it as an excellent alternative to the traditional Burning Bush.
Know before you buy
This shrub reaches a mature height and spread of approximately 7 feet. Its compact, tight branching habit makes it well-suited for privacy hedges or as a structured specimen plant.
Yes, for the most vibrant, blazing-red foliage in the autumn, you should plant this shrub in a location that receives full sun. While it is adaptable, consistent sun exposure is key to its best seasonal performance.
It is considered virtually maintenance-free once established. It requires only moderate watering and well-drained soil, and it does not need frequent pruning to maintain its tidy, compact shape.
The Fire Ball Burning Bush is noted for being rabbit resistant, which makes it a reliable choice for landscapes where wildlife pressure is a concern.
Yes, this variety is container-friendly. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage and is large enough to accommodate its eventual 7-foot size, or be prepared to prune it periodically to keep it contained.
Semi-evergreen means the shrub will hold its leaves for a significant portion of the year, but it may drop them depending on the severity of the winter climate. In colder zones, expect it to lose its leaves after the fall color display.
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