SafePlants

Chilean Firebush (Embothrium coccineum)

The Chilean Firebush, scientifically known as Embothrium coccineum, is a captivating evergreen tree or shrub admired for its vibrant flowers. Often challenging to establish, this plant rewards patient gardeners with a stunning display.

Common Names

• Chilean Firebush (English)
• Chilean Firetree
• Notro (Chilean Spanish)
• Ciruelillo (Chilean Spanish)
• Fosforito (Chilean Spanish)
• Flame Flower

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Embothrium coccineum
• Genus: Embothrium
• Family: Proteaceae

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to southern South America, specifically Chile, adjacent western Argentina, and southern Peru.
• Grows in temperate forests.
• Has been grown successfully along the Irish coast and in Wales, UK.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Evergreen tree or shrub, ranging from small to a reported height of 30 feet.
• Simple leaves.
• Showy, tubular flowers with recurved lobes, typically orange-scarlet or fiery red.
• Semi-evergreen in some climates.
• Can rapidly outgrow its planting location.
• Upright growing habit.
• Slender form.
• Long, leathery leaves.

Cultivation

• Prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Requires lime-free, deep, and well-drained soil.
• Propagation can be achieved by seed sown at 13 to 16 degrees Celsius in spring or by taking semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-summer and rooting with bottom heat.
• Can be difficult to establish.
• Flowering occurs in May and early June.

Quirky Facts

• The text mentions that this plant has a unique attribute of accessing nutrients in the soil that are normally inaccessible to other plants.
• One source describes the visual impact of the plant in flower as being so powerful and rich that the onlooker prepares to shield themselves.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden (website).
• Alamy (stock photos).
• Getty (stock photos).
• Shutterstock (stock photos).
• Dictionary.com
• TripAdvisor
• Almaany Online Dictionary