Embothrium coccineum
Chilean fire bush
An upright evergreen shrub or small tree, with leathery, lance-shaped leaves and clusters of narrowly tubular scarlet flowers in late spring and early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Proteaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Embothrium are evergreen trees or shrubs, with simple leaves and showy tubular flowers with four recurved lobes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Chile
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in a fertile, humus-rich soil but may require shelter from cold, drying winds. A useful woodland plant
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 13 to 16°C in spring or take semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-summer and root with bottom heat. Suckers can be removed in late winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
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