Strawberry Bush - Euonymus americanus

Bareroot plant

The Strawberry Bush, also known as Euonymus americanus, is a deciduous shrub native to the eastern United States. Here's a detailed description along with planting instructions:

Description:
Appearance: The Strawberry Bush typically grows as a small to medium-sized shrub, reaching heights of 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) tall and spreading to a similar width. It has a rounded or irregular growth habit with multiple stems.
Leaves: The leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptical to ovate in shape, with finely serrated margins. They are medium to dark green in color and turn shades of yellow, orange, or red in the fall, providing a beautiful autumn display.
Flowers: In late spring to early summer, the Strawberry Bush produces inconspicuous greenish-white flowers that are often hidden among the foliage. However, they are fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Fruit: After flowering, the Strawberry Bush develops small, warty, pink to reddish-pink capsules that resemble strawberries, hence its common name. These capsules split open in the fall to reveal bright orange seeds, adding ornamental interest to the plant.
Planting Instructions:
Climate and Location:

The Strawberry Bush thrives in a variety of environmental conditions but prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is commonly found in woodlands, along stream banks, and in other partially shaded areas.
Choose a planting location that receives partial to full shade. While the Strawberry Bush can tolerate some sun, it typically performs best in shady conditions.
Soil Preparation:

Before planting, prepare the soil by amending it with organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and structure.
The Strawberry Bush prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. Conduct a soil test to determine the pH of the soil and make any necessary adjustments.
Planting the Shrubs:

Plant Strawberry Bush shrubs in the early spring or late fall when the soil is moist and temperatures are moderate.
Dig a hole that is slightly wider and just as deep as the root ball of the plant.
Gently remove the shrub from its container or loosen the roots if it's a bare-root plant.
Place the shrub in the center of the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the roots to remove air pockets.
Water the shrub thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Spacing:

Space Strawberry Bush shrubs about 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) apart to allow room for growth and airflow between plants.
Mulching and Watering:

Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, around the base of the shrub to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.
Water the shrubs regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Pay attention to soil moisture levels, particularly during the first growing season after planting, to ensure the shrub becomes established.
Pruning and Maintenance:

The Strawberry Bush typically requires minimal pruning. You can prune the shrub in late winter or early spring to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to maintain a tidy shape.
Fertilization is generally not necessary, as the Strawberry Bush is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soils. However, if the plant shows signs of nutrient deficiency, you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
Wildlife Attraction:

The Strawberry Bush provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and small mammals. The fruit capsules are particularly attractive to birds, which eat the seeds and help to disperse them.
By following these planting instructions and providing proper care, you can successfully grow Strawberry Bush shrubs and enjoy their unique flowers, attractive foliage, and ornamental fruit capsules in your landscape.