Burning bush (Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla)
Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla, or Burning bush, is a low-maintenance annual prized for its cypress-like shape and stunning scarlet fall color.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla, widely recognized as the Burning bush or sometimes Summer cypress, is a rapid-growing annual celebrated for its architectural form and dramatic seasonal shift. This plant offers striking texture throughout the summer with its feathery, narrow, light green foliage, culminating in a memorable transformation to bright scarlet red in the autumn landscape. It is valued for requiring minimal effort while providing significant visual impact in hot weather gardens.
Valued for its upright, shrubby habit, Bassia scoparia f. Trichophylla quickly achieves a height of 2 to 5 feet within a single growing season. Its growth structure is often described as globular to columnar, resembling a small cypress tree before its foliage dramatically changes color. Though native to temperate Asia, the effectiveness of this Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla ensures its continued popularity across many gardening regions.
The primary appeal of the Burning bush lies in its reliability as a fast-growing, low-maintenance annual centerpiece or screen. Whether used to create temporary vertical interest or simply enjoyed for its striking form, this plant performs dependably in full sun conditions, making it a robust choice for summer garden structure.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Amaranthaceae
- Plant Type: Annual
- Native Range: Asia, North America
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 2-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Description: Greenish
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Sowing Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla seed outdoors is best done after all danger of frost has passed, when the soil is warm. For a head start on growth, gardeners can begin seeds indoors in pots approximately 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date. This superb annual thrives best in locations that receive full sun exposure and prefers organically rich, well-drained soils with medium moisture levels.
Once established, the Burning bush requires relatively little specialized attention. Maintain a medium watering schedule, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but never waterlogged. Site these plants where they are somewhat shielded from overly strong, persistent winds to prevent potential breakage of the upright stems.
As a fast-growing annual, heavy fertilizing is generally unnecessary, but rich soil supports the best seasonal development. Gardeners should be aware that Bassia scoparia f. Trichophylla readily self-seeds. If you are planting in warmer areas like USDA Zones 8-10, monitor seedlings closely, as they may establish themselves widely and behave somewhat weedy. Propagation should always be done via seed collection or purchasing new seed stock yearly.
Landscape Uses
The versatility of Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla makes it an excellent choice for several functional landscape roles. Its distinct columnar growth habit lends itself perfectly to using it as temporary screening or a concise, fast-growing hedge during the summer months. Because the foliage darkens to vibrant red in autumn, the Burning bush also functions well when planted in small, impactful groups where its changing color can be fully appreciated.
For structural accent planting, group several Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla plants along an edging where their defined shape can formalize a border until more permanent perennials mature. Furthermore, given its reasonable one-foot spread, these annuals perform admirably when used as the thrilling vertical focal point within mixed containers and window boxes.
Combine the Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla with lower-growing, heat-tolerant annuals like Zinnias or low-mounding varieties of Cosmos. This contrast emphasizes the height of the Summer cypress, creating dynamic visual interest from mid-summer through the first hard frost.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Bassia scoparia f. Trichophylla, commonly called burning bush, is an upright, shrubby, warm weather annual that is primarily grown for its attractive shape, light green foliage and bright scarlet red fall color. It typically grows in a single season to 2-3’ (less frequently to 5’) tall with a globular to columnar habit. Branches are clad with feathery, narrow, light green leaves (2-3” long) that turn scarlet red in fall.
Tolerances
This plant does not list specific tolerances in the provided data.
Potential Problems
Gardeners can anticipate that Bassia scoparia f. Trichophylla rarely presents significant pest or cultivation challenges. The plant is generally robust and resists serious insect infestations or common fungal diseases.
Because of its low susceptibility to problems, maintenance remains low throughout the growing season. Focus efforts instead on providing adequate water during dry spells to ensure the best possible scarlet fall color development for your Summer cypress specimen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Burning bush suitable for?
Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla is exceptionally adaptable, thriving in USDA Zones 2 through 11.
How large does Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla grow?
This annual typically reaches a mature height between 2 and 5 feet tall, with a narrow spread of 1 to 1.5 feet.
What sun exposure does Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla need?
This plant requires full sun for optimal growth, foliage color, and structure development throughout the summer.
When does Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla bloom?
The inconspicuous flowers appear from July through August, characterized by a greenish color.
Conclusion
The Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla is an invaluable annual asset, delivering reliable upright structure and an unparalleled fiery fall display with very little effort. Its low maintenance requirements make the Summer cypress perfect for gardeners seeking high visual returns. Ensure you check your local zone compatibility and plan for seeding after the final spring frost to enjoy this spectacular plant across its full season of interest.
Design Ideas
The unique cypress-like form of the Burning bush allows it to serve as a vital vertical element in mixed plantings where traditional shrubs would be too slow to establish. Use it to break up the monotonous texture of broadleaf annuals or provide a linear backdrop for lower-growing flowers like Marigolds. Its contrasting texture—fine and feathery against broad leaves—adds depth to summer borders.
Consider using Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla in rotational planting schemes. Because it is grown as an annual, it can be removed completely at season’s end, making way for cool-season displays like Pansies or ornamental kale in the autumn. This turnover maximizes garden productivity throughout the year using the same plot of land.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla, prioritize plants that share its requirements for full sun and medium water. Good partners include drought-tolerant but colorful choices that complement its green summer hue. Try pairing it with vibrant, architectural plants like purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) to echo its height, or use low-growing Portulaca (Moss Rose) to cascade over the edges of containers featuring the Summer cypress.
