How to start a “fire”

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Posted on Dec 20 2014 in Backyard
Burning Bush is considered an invasive plant in Indiana. Here are examples of two other plants in their fall color to consider: Chokeberry (or Aronia) (above, with fruit); or Oakleaf Hydrangea (left). Photos by Purdue University Arboretum

Burning Bush is considered an invasive plant in Indiana. Here are examples of two other plants in their fall color to consider: Chokeberry (or Aronia) or Oakleaf Hydrangea (above). Photo by Purdue University Arboretum

We have several fire bushes whose leaves never turn that spectacular red in the fall.  They just remain green till they fall off.  We have fed them spring and fall, and yet there are several other fire bushes, treated the same, whose leaves do change color.  Any suggestions?

— JOYCE LAKEY, TERRE HAUTE, IND.

Fall color or lack thereof is affected by a number of factors, including genetics of the plant, and environmental conditions such as temperature, soil moisture, and sunlight. While nutrition certainly also contributes, it sounds like you have some plants that lack the genetic disposition for good fall color. This is not likely to improve over time.

Firebush (a.k.a. Burning Bush) is considered an invasive plant in Indiana, so you might consider replacing these with one or more of the following alternative shrubs with attractive fall color. Look for cultivars noted for good fall color at your garden center. You can take a “tour” of these plants and more at the Purdue Arboretum Explorer website.

Common Name (Botanical):

  • Bottlebrush (Aesculus)
  • Leatherwood Buckeye (Dirca)
  • Chokeberry (Aronia)
  • Beautyberry (Callicarpa)
  • Redroot (Ceanothus)
  • Red or yellow-twig dogwood (Cornus)
  • Leatherwood (Dirca)
  • Fothergilla (Fothergilla)
  • Witchhazel (Hamamelis)
  • Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
  • Sweetspire (Itea)
  • Sumac (Rhus)
  • Viburnum (Viburnum)

Rosie Lerner is the Purdue Extension consumer horticulturist and a consumer of Tipmont REMC. Questions about gardening issues may be sent to: “Ask Rosie,” Electric Consumer, P.O. Box 24517, Indianapolis, IN 46224, or ec@ElectricConsumer.org.