groundcover recommendation under burning bush hedge
hollyholly
12 years ago
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paulsiu
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Burning bush invasive?
Comments (11)Anita, Definitions of invasiveness, especially here on GW, are pretty varied, and often a contentious issue. *stepping up on soapbox* From a conservation & stewardship standpoint, Euonymus species (specifically Euonymus alatus, Burning Bush) is an exotic listed in many states, including Illinois, as an invasive plant. The weed alert I've linked to below says, "While it behaves well in urban areas, E. alatus planted near woodlands, mature second-growth forests, and pastures can be problematic. " Speaking as a natural resource/conservation "professional", I have seen burning bush escape cultivation to form a heavy understory in wooded natural areas in Illinois and Indiana, outcompeting native species. I've also spent many, many hours on controlling this species in natural areas in both states. From a gardener's perspective, I recently helped a friend with burning bush in his yard hand pull a bed full of seedlings. His shrub reseeds pretty prolifically. For myself, even though I live near dowtown in an urban area, with little chance that a Euonymus in my yard would escape to invade a natural area, I choose not to plant this species in my garden. This is a very heavy seeding tree, and well visited by birds who can spread the seed far and wide. And besides, all of my conservation buddies/coworkers would mock me mercilessly if I did plant it. :) Just as a disclaimer, I'm not a pure native species gardner, since I have plenty of exotics all through my yard. But, remembering my years trying to control invasives in natural areas definitely encourages me to avoid cultivating them myself. *stepping off soapbox* So, in answer to your actual question, burning bush may be invasive in your garden, depending on your conditions and the cultivar that you plant. Here is a link that might be useful: Burning Bush Invasives Alert...See MoreWhy not a burning bush? Input anyone?
Comments (21)I find it invasive. There was a ton of burning bush coming up in a local natural area I was cleaning to be wildlife habitat. It was everywhere. The nearest bush I know of is 1/2 mile away - it's not all over man's yard who has it...but the birds roost in the natural area so therefore poop seeds all night. They don't roost near the Mother shrub. Killing burning bush was a new one on me this year. Also found a lot of Mahonia bealei and liriope coming up. Uggh. Please consider an alternative - red twig dogwood (artic fire - LOUD in winter), ariona (autumn magic is lovely), even the ninebarks. All the color choice (diablo, summer wine, copertina, darts gold) have the same basic shape and beautiful color, winter interest. Moonshine Designs Nursery carries all of these. The ninebark is grown by Monrovia I think so may be easy to find. Tea viburnum (Viburnum setigerum) is a non-native which is not invasive that I know of, vase shape stunning plant and wildlife, woodland friendly. Fairweather Gardens and Lazy S'S Farm Nursery carry this. Check Fairweather Gardens for the Prince William Serviceberry, too, that's a great shrub. Color, berries, good shape, attractive foliage...and coralberry (Symphoricarpos x doorenbosii Amethyst), and snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), planted together those two are outstanding. And unique. Don't forget unique! This is just one opinion after seeing it carpeting the woods...and rain would be great right about now!! Why copy your neighbor?? Be different! :)...See MoreSuggestions for a hedge bush
Comments (10)whatever you decide.. i do not favor monocultures ... mostly for the reason you are having to do this .. if one gets a problem.. they all might get the problem .. i would suggest a diverse planting... if you really want good suggestions... please post pix of the spots ... keep in mind.. that no shrub/conifer/tree ..... stops growing at some magical height ... look for annual growth rates to understand how fast things grow ... e.g. if it grows a foot per year ... and you only want 3 feet.. you are going to have to be pruning it every other year ... so look for lesser annual growth rates ... ken...See MoreNew Burning Bushes - leaves turning purple?
Comments (6)First, I didn't know that the Burning Bush was on the PA invasive plant list. All the local nurseries, along with Lowes and Home Depot say that the Burning Bush is a very big seller for them. Not one mentioned not to plant it as it is an invasive shrub. In my area most of the fast food restaurants, stores, hospitals, etc. have their buildings and parking lots lined with these, and the 2 huge industrial parks with a hundred or more buildings are loaded with them. Also, these are on my father's land. He wanted them before he died, he is 94 years old, can hardly move but dug all 10 holes, took him all day. These shrubs are staying for those reasons. Back to the main topic. Are both of you agreeing that the BB's need more water to overcome the purple tinted leaves? In the last 2 weeks I have watered them deeply every 3-4 days, we also have had a 4-5 inch rain fall one day last week and over 1-2 inches 2 days ago. The ground around the shrubs feels moist when I push my finger down along side the root ball. These shrubs were in 2.5 gallon containers. The net states don't over water or under water. How much water should you give them in terms of volume when the soil is dry? 1 qt., 2qts., 1 gal., etc.?...See MoreUser
12 years agohollyholly
12 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
12 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
12 years agoken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
12 years agohollyholly
12 years agopaulsiu
12 years agokimka
12 years agomad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)
12 years ago
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5