Overview
Euonymus occidentalis Nutt. ex Torr. ssp. parishii (Trel.) Beauchamp, commonly known as Parish’s burningbush, is a popular shrub species in North America. The plant is known for its colorful foliage and low maintenance nature, making it a great landscaping choice for many homes and gardens.
Origin
The Parish’s burningbush is native to the western United States, ranging from California to New Mexico. The plant thrives in dry and sunny regions, often found growing near rocky slopes, open woodland areas, and canyons.
Common Names
Aside from Parish’s burningbush, Euonymus occidentalis Nutt. ex Torr. ssp. parishii (Trel.) Beauchamp is commonly referred to as Western burningbush, Western wahoo, and Strawberry bush.
Appearance
Parish’s burningbush is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The plant boasts green foliage that turns into brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow during the fall season. It also bears small, red fruits that add color to the landscape during autumn.
Uses
Parish’s burningbush is widely used in landscaping designs for its stunning foliage color and low maintenance characteristics. The plant can be grown as a hedge, border, or accent plant, making it a versatile choice for many garden styles. Additionally, some indigenous North American tribes used parts of the plant for medicinal purposes.
Light Requirements
Euonymus occidentalis Nutt. ex Torr. ssp. parishii (Trel.) Beauchamp prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. Too little sunlight can cause poor growth and sparse foliage.
Temperature Requirements
Euonymus occidentalis Nutt. ex Torr. ssp. parishii (Trel.) Beauchamp is native to California and Baja California, where it grows in a warm Mediterranean climate. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C) and as high as 100°F (38°C). However, it prefers to grow in a range of 50-80°F (10-26°C).
Soil Requirements
Euonymus occidentalis Nutt. ex Torr. ssp. parishii (Trel.) Beauchamp prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. It can grow in various types of soil, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. It does not tolerate heavy clay soil or waterlogged soil, as it may cause root rot.
Cultivation methods
Euonymus occidentalis Nutt. ex Torr. ssp. parishii (Trel.) Beauchamp, commonly known as Western burning bush, is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
When planting Euonymus occidentalis, choose a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil and does best in USDA zones 5 through 9.
Be sure to space plants at least 3 feet apart to allow for good air circulation and to prevent the spread of disease.
Watering needs
Euonymus occidentalis is relatively drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, it should be watered deeply once a week during hot, dry spells. This will help ensure that the roots stay cool and moist.
Be careful not to overwater Euonymus occidentalis, as it can be susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil.
Fertilization
Euonymus occidentalis does not require a lot of fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause excessive growth and weaken the plant.
A light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth and blooming. Alternatively, you could use a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to provide a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning Euonymus occidentalis is not necessary, but it can help promote a more compact growth habit and improve the overall appearance of the plant.
Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Trim back overgrown or damaged branches to a healthy, outward-facing bud or side branch.
Be sure to use sharp, sterile pruning shears to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Euonymus occidentalis Nutt. ex Torr. ssp. parishii (Trel.) Beauchamp
Euonymus occidentalis Nutt. ex Torr. ssp. parishii (Trel.) Beauchamp, also known as Parish's spindle, is a hardy and attractive shrub that is native to California and adjacent regions. The plant can propagate by several methods:
Seed Propagation
Euonymus occidentalis Nutt. ex Torr. ssp. parishii (Trel.) Beauchamp can be propagated from fresh seed, which is easily collected from mature fruits that turn pink when mature. Fresh seeds have high germination rates, but the seeds need cold stratification for 30-90 days to break dormancy. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in seedling trays filled with a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, bright place. The seeds usually take 4-6 weeks to germinate, and the seedlings can be transplanted when they have developed two to three leaves.
Cuttings Propagation
Euonymus occidentalis Nutt. ex Torr. ssp. parishii (Trel.) Beauchamp can also be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long, and the lower leaves should be removed. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, and then plant them in a well-draining rooting medium such as peat moss and perlite mix. Bottom heat of 65-70°F and high humidity of 70-80% are ideal for rooting. The cuttings usually root in 3-4 weeks, and can be transplanted to larger pots when they have formed roots and started to grow.
Layering Propagation
Euonymus occidentalis Nutt. ex Torr. ssp. parishii (Trel.) Beauchamp can also be propagated by layering in late winter or early spring before the emergence of new growth. A low branch should be identified, and a small slice of bark should be removed where the branch touches the ground. The wounded area should be covered with rooting hormone and buried under 2-3 inches of soil. Once rooted, the new plant can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted into a new location.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases that affect Euonymus occidentalis Nutt. ex Torr. ssp. parishii (Trel.) Beauchamp is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears on the leaves and stems as a white or gray powdery coating. To manage powdery mildew, prune infected plant parts and maintain good air circulation by spacing your plants properly to reduce humidity. In severe cases, you can apply sulfur or fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
Another disease that may affect the plant is anthracnose. This fungal disease causes dark brown, irregularly shaped patches on leaves, stems, and flowers. Anthracnose spreads through water, so avoid overhead watering and remove infected plant parts. Applying fungicides and proper pruning can control the spread of anthracnose.
Pest Management
Euonymus scale is a common pest that may affect this plant. These insects are small and oval-shaped, with a hard, protective shell that is usually brown or gray. To manage scale infestations, prune and dispose of heavily-infested plant parts, and apply insecticides to control the spread of the insects.
Another pest that may affect Euonymus occidentalis Nutt. ex Torr. ssp. parishii (Trel.) Beauchamp is spider mites. These tiny pests feed on the leaves and may cause yellowing and discoloration. To manage spider mites, apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to the leaves, paying attention to the undersides where the pests tend to congregate. Good weed management and avoiding over-fertilizing can also prevent spider mites from attacking the plants.
