burning bush that won't burn

Last year I planted a small burning bush . It seems to be doing well except that it hasn't turned red yet. What could the problem be? It's in an area that is somewhat shaded. Sorry if I've posted in the wrong forum.

Audrey,
Thought I would share some of my experience with Euonymus with you. Years ago I bought two Euonymus compacta and thought the term "compacta" ment that it's compact size would be just right as a foundation planting, well it didn't take long to discover the term "compacta" was in referance to the species, in other words 10' tall and wide rather than 15' tall and wide. They were then moved to two different locations one in full sun and the other in part shade. The full sun Euonymus not only grew much larger it had wonderful fall color the part shade shub turned a muddy pink. The larger shrub was so happy that it eventually needed pruning which of course meant cutting of the new growth and most vibrant fall color. A few years later when it was becoming apparent that my wooded area was now hosting Euonymus unwanted offspring I had them removed from my property and destroyed. I am sure your nursery mentioned that Euonymus is high on the invasive species list of plants that will no longer be sold in MA I believe begining in 2008. kt

I inherited 3 euonymus when I moved into this house. They are all in shade and not a one has ever turned "burned" , just turned kind of a pale yellow with a rare red tinged leaf. Peg

LOL! That would definitely do it!

I like that about the match- hehehe. I had a burning bush and just dug it out last year and gave it away. It was too boring the rest of the year and it would be pretty only for a couple weeks in fall,(at most) but otherwise, boring. I noticed with it, that some years it was beautifully brilliant and some years it was dull and plain. I thought it all depended on the sun and the wetness of the year .It was pretty but not worth it to me.

Before I purchased the bush I had read that it was invasive, and yes, it is a compact version. I live in Ma. and I 've seen these bushes everywhere, but I've never seen them even 10 ft. tall. They're a shrub and everyone else's seems to be red this time of year. I guess that could be a shade and weather related thing. I find the "invasive" thing puzzling. I've never seen any that have spread out or gone wild. I've had mine about a year and it's only grown a normal amount during that time.

I have a feeling yours is lacking in color because it's in part shade, if you want the best fall color you'll have to move it to a sunnier area.

Yes, ecrane has hit on it. I have many planted for 15 years now. I live on 4 downtown city lots and have 3 sides of my property that face the street. I use them for a screen from dust and rod dirt. They are GREAT for that. The color up nice in FULL sun. They will do less coloring as they get less and less sun. That is my 2 cents. I love em and they have never been invasive or sprouted any where they were not planted. They probably sucker some but in 15 years I would say it's negligible. They have only grown to about 6' tall and 5' wide Max. I have 5 in a hedge row and just got 6 more for a row on the front of my property mixed with evergreens.
Julie

thank for the info folks. I guess I'll have to move it to a sunnier location.