half of my burning bush is dying

by Andrea Holmes
(Springfield, MO)

Euonymus alatus

What would cause my burning bush (fire bush) to suddenly die on just one side, in less than a week? (It's approximately 10 years old).

Comments for half of my burning bush is dying

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Botanical name?
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

Is it Euonymus alatus by any chance? Sometimes these tend to get die back, but it's not generally in a week. The damage can be winter damage from extreme cold, or windy conditions, but it only shows after the shrub has leafed out in the spring. This is because the damage is actually at the base of the plant, or even in the roots.

Other things that could cause it are boring beetles or other insects damaging the stem. Inspect it closely to see if there are any holes. Cut these off, below the holes, and burn them, as these will be where the insect has laid eggs which will hatch out to do even more damage.

No need to spray with deadly chemicals.

Luckily, Euonymus alatus shrubs don't mind being pruned back, so if you cut off the dead parts and give the rest of it a haircut, it will be good as new.

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