Fire Ball® Burning Bush

Euonymus alatus 'Select'

Proven Winners®

Compact Fire Ball® Burning Bush Resists Winter Stem Dieback Better than Standard Varieties
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 5-7 ft Tall, 3-5 ft Wide
Showy Yellow, Green Blooms in Late Spring
Ideal for Hedge in Asian Gardens

$26¹⁴

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Plant Size

Quart Container #2 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours daily) to achieve the brilliant, fiery red fall foliage this variety is named for. While it tolerates partial shade, the fall color will be significantly more muted and may remain muddy green.
Soil: This shrub is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including clay and alkaline soils, as long as the drainage is good. If you have poor drainage, amend the soil with organic matter to prevent root issues, as it cannot tolerate standing water.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy during the first year to help the root system establish. Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance, though inconsistent watering during dry spells can cause the leaves to scorch or drop prematurely.

Pruning Tips

Prune in early spring before new growth begins to control size or maintain a specific shape. You can shear it for a formal look or selectively cut branches for a natural habit; pruning early ensures the new foliage quickly covers any bare cuts.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release shrub fertilizer in early spring just as new green leaves start to appear. Avoid fertilizing in late summer, as this pushes tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Fall Color/Interest, Hedge/Screen, Clay Tolerant, Drought resistant, Heat Tolerant, Ornamental Berries/Fruit
Hardiness Zone	6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	5-7 ft
Width	3-5 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Climbing, Upright
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Yellow, Green
Foliage Color	Green, Red
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Burning Bush
Botanical Name	Euonymus alatus 'Select'
Species	alatus
Cultivar	Select
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MN, MT, NH, NY, PA, PR, RI, WI, WY

A compact Burning Bush that is very cold-hardy! The Proven Winners® Selection Fire Ball® (Euonymus alatus 'Select') starts off brilliant green in the spring. But come fall, watch out! This shrub turns an eye-catching rust-red and becomes the stand-out star of the garden. Perfect when you need a shot of red fall foliage in your garden, Burning Bush is your go-to plant!

This is an improved form of a Burning Bush that is compact with tighter branches and better stem hardiness. This means that Fire Ball® resists stem dieback even in the harshest winters, unlike most other Euonymus. his helps Fire Ball® fit into almost any garden.

Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 4 to 8, Fire Ball® matures 5-7 feet in height and 3-5 feet in width, maintaining an easy-to-grow rounded form! From the yellowish spring flowers that pollinators love to the orange-red fall seeds that birds love, to the corky winged stems in the winter - this shrub has four seasons of interest!

Nature Hills understands that this genus sometimes grows too well in certain areas. Birds eat the seeds and spread them around where they can grow and overtake other plants. That's why we use Plant Sentry™ to block shipments into regulated areas. Just punch in your zip code into our Zone Finder to see if it will work for your community.

For those that can safely grow it, there is nothing, and we mean nothing, like the bright splash of bold red of Fire Ball®. You'll turn every head in the neighborhood!

Planting and Application:

Plant this Burning Bush amidst spring and summer flowering shrubs for a jolt of color just as the flowers of the others are fading. Fire Ball® will blend well with your other foundation or shrub border plantings all summer!

Create a lush privacy hedge along the front of your property to divide your home from the sidewalk, or along the edge to screen out a messy neighbor. Hide the HVAC unit or soften the corner of your home or outbuilding with these densely branched shrubs!

Use several plants in groupings or plant them en masse to amplify the remarkable brightness of the fall color. It's an outstanding display.

A single plant becomes a fiery focal point come fall, but is an easy-going landscape workhorse for the remainder of the year! Slow drifting snow, create bird-friendly banks of shelterbelts, or line the sunny side of your home with a four-season shrub foundation hedge!

This is a low-maintenance plant that has a place in both home gardens and commercial landscapes. If not pruned at all, the shrub develops a natural-looking profile. Use as a focal point in a mixed shrub planting!

Amazing Red Fall Color!
Lovely Branch Structure Looks Great All Year
Darling Little Yellow Blossoms & Red-Orange Berries
Pollinator & Bird-Friendly
Unique Winged Bark Brings Winter Interest
Colorful Accents, Specimend, Hedged & Privacy

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Not bothered by pollution, insects, or disease - Burning Bushes are very easy to grow! Burning Bushes perform well in various levels of full sun or shade. It also tolerates a wide range of soils, with the exception of wet, poorly drained soil. The roots will rot in poor draining soils. Fire Ball® is a fast-growing and compact variety of Burning Bush, so you won't have to wait long for results. It maintains a natural, pleasing shape, but can also withstand heavy pruning.

If you do prune, right after flowering is best to remove the flowers before they go to seed. Mulch 3 to 4 inches deep and 3 feet outside of the canopy to keep the root system cool and moist. Arborist mulch also allows you to increase the time between supplemental watering.

Adaptable in Full Sun
Any Well-Drained Soil & Moderate Moisture
Prune the Yellow Flowers in Early Spring to Curtail Fall Seeds
Low Maintenance & Widely Adapted to Colder Climates
Insect & Disease Resistant & Pollution Tolerant

Plant this spicy little Fire Ball® Burning Bush in your landscape! You and your neighbors will be happy you did! Order today from Nature Hills Nursery!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Fire Ball® Burning Bush suitable for?

Fire Ball® Burning Bush is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8. This cold-hardy selection resists stem dieback in harsh winters better than standard Burning Bush varieties. Check local regulations before planting, as this species is restricted in some areas due to its invasive potential.

How tall and wide does Fire Ball® Burning Bush get at maturity?

Fire Ball® Burning Bush reaches 5-7 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide at maturity, maintaining a naturally rounded form. This compact size makes it perfect for foundation plantings or smaller gardens where traditional burning bush might be too large. Shop at Nature Hills for this proven cold-hardy selection.

Does Fire Ball® Burning Bush prefer full sun or partial shade?

Fire Ball® Burning Bush thrives in full sun to partial shade, with full sun producing the most intense fall color. This hardy shrub adapts well to various light conditions across zones 4-8. Plant in a spot with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal red fall foliage.

How often should I water my newly planted Fire Ball® Burning Bush?

Water newly planted Fire Ball® Burning Bush deeply twice weekly for the first month, then weekly until established. This hardy shrub (zones 4-8) develops good drought tolerance once its root system matures. Check soil moisture 2 inches down and water when dry.

How fast does Fire Ball® Burning Bush grow each year?

Fire Ball® Burning Bush grows at a moderate pace, typically adding 6-12 inches per year until reaching its mature size of 5-7 feet tall. This steady growth rate makes it reliable for planning landscape designs in zones 4-8. Shop at Nature Hills for this compact, cold-hardy selection.

Is Fire Ball® Burning Bush deer resistant?

Fire Ball® Burning Bush is generally deer resistant due to its bitter-tasting foliage that deer typically avoid. This makes it an excellent choice for foundation plantings and hedges in areas with deer pressure. Plant it confidently in zones 4-8 where it will maintain its compact 5-7 foot form without browsing damage.

How is the Fire Ball® Burning Bush packaged for shipping?

Fire Ball® Burning Bush ships as a bare root or potted plant depending on the season and availability. The compact shrub arrives ready to establish in USDA zones 4-8, where it will mature to 5-7 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide. Plant in spring or fall for best results.

What plants pair well with Fire Ball® Burning Bush in a landscape design?

Fire Ball® pairs beautifully with spring and summer flowering shrubs like lilac, spirea, and weigela since it provides bold fall color just as their blooms fade. The compact 5-7 foot mature size works well in mixed borders with evergreens for winter structure. Plant it alongside perennials that complement its green summer foliage.

Fire Ball® Burning Bush

Euonymus alatus 'Select'