Embothrium
( em - BOTH - ree - um )
|
At-A-Glance InformationThis tropical genus includes species of large shrubs or trees commonly known as Chilean Fire Bush, Notro, Ciruelillo, Fosforito, or Notro Chileno. These plants are woody and evergreen or deciduous, and do best in full sun or light shade with regular to ample water. These plants are native to southern South America (Chile and Argentina), and put on profuse floral shows in late spring through early summer that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. They look great in mixed beds, alongside walkways and sitting areas, against walls and fences, in entryways, or as potted patio plants.
|
Embothrium Species and Varietals
The genus Embothrium is a member of the plant family Proteaceae, and includes one or two extant species. Chilean Fire Bush grows best in zones 5, 6, 14-17, and 21-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
|
Embothrium coccineum (Embothrium lanceolatum, Embothrium coccineum var. lanceolatum) (Chilean Firetree, Chilean Fire Bush, Notro, Ciruelillo, Fósforo) This species is native to temperate forests in Chile and Argentina, and forms a woody evergreen plant with dark grey bark. Wood is light pink in color. Leaves are glossy and green, and flowers produced in springtime are deep red (occasionally pale yellow). It is a valuable keystone plant in certain habitats. This species is considered invasive in New Zealand. |
|
Caring for embothrium
Plant Embothrium shrubs and trees in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms. When these plants are grown in less light, they will not flower as profusely. Chilean Fire Bush grows well when the base of the plant is in shade and the top is in full sun. Choose a space that is free from strong winds and the threat of frost (if in a temperate zone or cooler, these plants can be grown in containers that can be moved indoors in wintertime). Space plants 12 to 15 feet apart to accommodate their mature width. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 5.1 and 6.5 (slightly acidic). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants have moderate water needs; as a general rule of thumb, water every two weeks during the warmer, drier months of the year.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season. Complete a late winter to early springtime hard pruning each year, cutting it back to just a few feet tall. The plant will then produce a profuse springtime vegetative growth and show of flowers. Chilean Fire Bush reaches its full size in about 10-20 years and has the potential to last for up to 20-25 years in the landscape before needing to be replaced.
Caring for Embothrium in Containers
Barberry shrubs are best grown in the ground, but they can also be grown in containers successfully with proper care. In areas with cold winters, growing these plants in containers allows for moving them to a sheltered location for protection over the cold months of the year. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Embothrium plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season. Complete a late winter to early springtime hard pruning each year, cutting it back to just a few feet tall. The plant will then produce a profuse springtime vegetative growth and show of flowers. Chilean Fire Bush reaches its full size in about 10-20 years and has the potential to last for up to 20-25 years in the landscape before needing to be replaced.
Caring for Embothrium in Containers
Barberry shrubs are best grown in the ground, but they can also be grown in containers successfully with proper care. In areas with cold winters, growing these plants in containers allows for moving them to a sheltered location for protection over the cold months of the year. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Embothrium plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.
Propagation
Chilean Fire Bush can be propagated either by using volunteers or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the volunteer method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Embothrium by Seed
Propagating Embothrium by Volunteer
Propagating Embothrium by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
- Harvest your seeds. The seed pods ripen after warm spells in summertime, opening to reveal winged seeds, and will be ready to harvest in late October. Store the seeds over the winter in cool (but not frosty), dark conditions.
- In early spring of the next year, water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination is usually pretty quick for these shrubs.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until late summertime when they can be potted up. Young seedlings are best stored in a shaded area of a greenhouse. Direct sun can scorch the developing leaves.
Propagating Embothrium by Volunteer
- Volunteer seedlings are likely to pop up around your Chilean Fire Bush if you do not remove suckers when they pop up. If you see these appearing, you can remove them and repot or replant them wherever you'd like. To propagate your plant via volunteer seedlings, you'll need a garden shovel, potting soil, and a pot (if you won't be replanting it immediately in your garden).
- Dig up your volunteer shrub using your garden shovel, being careful to not damage the roots. Then, either in your prepared pot or a prepared spot in your garden, replant it. Water it in, and continue providing regular waterings until the shrub has established itself in its new home.
Problems and Pests
Certain species of Embothrium are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Chilean Fire Bush is bothered by the following pests and diseases:
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Scale
- Powdery Mildew
- Root Rot
Gallery
Plant Chilean Fire Bush alongside walkways and to add color to otherwise monochromatic gardens.
|
Cutting back these shrubs every winter allows them to come back and flower strong in springtime.
|
The flowers on these shrubs will attract both hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden.
|
Videos
|
How to harvest and store Chilean Fire Bush seeds.
|
How to care for Chilean Fire Bush seedlings.
|
|
How to grow and care for Chilean Fire Bush.
|
Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 300, Embothrium coccineum (Chilean Fire Bush)
