Embothrium coccineum (Chilean fire tree)

Embothrium spp.

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 8–10

Overview

Embothrium spp. is a genus in the family Proteaceae represented mainly by E. coccineum, the Chilean firebush, an evergreen to semi-evergreen large shrub or small tree of southern South America. Plants reach 13 to 33 ft (4 to 10 m) tall, occasionally more, with a narrow, suckering, upright habit. The leathery leaves are simple and dark green, arranged alternately or in loose whorls. In late spring and early summer the branches carry dense clusters of slender, tubular scarlet to orange-red flowers, each about 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5 cm) long, their styles curving as the flowers open. In its native range the flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds. The genus grows in cool, moist, oceanic climates and tolerates frost to about USDA zone 8, but is intolerant of hot, dry summers and alkaline soil. It needs acid, free-draining ground and shelter from strong wind, which limits where it can be grown.

Native Range

Native to the temperate rainforests and forest margins of southern Chile and adjacent Argentina, including Patagonia and the southern Andes.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a flowering specimen tree or large shrub in mild, moist-climate gardens, and used in mixed and woodland-edge plantings on acid soil. The narrow, suckering habit also suits informal screens. It grows in coastal gardens given wind shelter.

How to Identify

An upright, often suckering shrub or small tree with leathery, dark green, untoothed leaves. In early summer it is unmistakable when covered in tight clusters of narrow, tubular scarlet to orange-red flowers with protruding, curved styles. Outside the flowering season the narrow crown and grey bark are the main clues.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height13' - 33'

Width/Spread8' - 15'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

orange

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering peaks in late spring and early summer, from about October to December in its native Southern Hemisphere range and May to June where grown in the Northern Hemisphere. The scarlet clusters cover the branches for several weeks. Flowering is heaviest on plants in full sun.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Scarlet to orange-red

Foliage Description

Dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.0(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand peat

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-20 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

The Chilean firebush grows in cool, humid, oceanic climates on moist but sharply drained acidic soils, at a pH from about 4.5 to 6.0. It needs full sun to light shade and steady moisture, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Lime and waterlogging are both poorly tolerated. Plants sucker from the roots and can form a thicket if the suckers are not removed. They respond poorly to root disturbance, so container-raised plants are set out while young. Frost is tolerated to around zone 8, but hot, dry summers cause stress and leaf scorch.

Pruning

Little pruning is needed beyond removing frost-damaged or dead wood after flowering. Unwanted root suckers are dug out to control spread. Hard pruning is tolerated poorly and is avoided where possible.