What is the secret to getting my burning bush to have red leaves?
— M.B., e-mail M.B.: Sunshine and a little stress should fire up your burning bush (Euonymus alatus ‘Compacta’) and about the only way to kill this tough shrub is by planting it in poorly draining soil or by giving it too much water. I know because I am guilty of the crime. Notice the blaze of glory that these spectacular fall foliage shrubs display when planted on sunny slopes along the freeway. Don’t be afraid to transplant a colorless shrub to a well-drained spot in more sun. Just remember that, despite the ‘Compacta’ name on the variety sold at local nurseries, this deciduous Euonymus will grow to 10 feet tall and just as wide. Q: I have a Euphorbia that did very well in my dry rockery and I would like to encourage this plant by following your advice to plant more of something that does well. (I ripped out all my diseased roses in the rockery. What should I be doing for this Euphorbia as winter approaches? Cut it back? Mulch? — T.O., Seattle M.B.: Do nothing. Without knowing what
