Burning bush (Bassia scoparia)
Care, watering, light and tips for Burning bush on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Burning bush
Bassia scoparia, commonly known as kochia or summer cypress, is a fast-growing annual plant that forms a dense, oval shrub, resembling a small cypress. Its fine, green leaves turn intense red or purple hues in autumn, creating a striking visual display. It is ideal for temporary hedges, borders, or as an ornamental plant in pots, adding fine texture and vibrant color to the garden.
Native range
Eurasia, from the Mediterranean to Japan
Care tips
This plant prefers full sun to develop its best autumn coloration, although it tolerates some partial shade. It is quite drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering during dry spells will encourage more lush growth. It adapts to a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained, and is not demanding regarding nutrients. A common mistake is planting it in very wet soils, which can lead to root rot.