Streptosolen

( strep - toh - SOH - len )

At-A-Glance Information

The genus Streptosolen is a member of the plant family Solanaceae and includes just one species, Streptosolen jamesonii. Known commonly as Marmelade Bush, Fire Bush, Flor de Sol, Jaboncillo, or Flor de Quinde. this evergreen vining shrub is native to South America, and needs partial shade in warmer climates and regular water. They can reach 4-6 feet tall and just as wide, and when trained as a vine, stretch to 10-15 feet. Leaves are bright green and flowers bloom at branch ends from spring through to early fall. Flowers are large and can be orange, yellow, or any hue in between. Great when used as spillers over walls or hanging baskets and for lining stairs in the garden. They are best in zones 13, 16, 17, 23, 24 and H2 (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map). Take care when planting these vines in the landscape, as plant parts are toxic to both pets and humans if ingested.

Caring for Streptosolen Vines

Plant Marmelade Bush in a warm spot in the garden in full sun or partial shade. The more sun they get, the more profusely they will flower, though in warmer climates they do appreciate some late afternoon cover when temperatures are the highest. These vines will also need some protection from frosts, either provided by a sheltered location or the use of frost cloth during cold snaps. These are not frost-tolerant vines, and will need some protection from cold temperatures, as well. They prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0. If local soils are compacted, do not drain well, or are particularly poor in nutrients, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic matter or compost before installing. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant after installation, ensuring that mulch stays at least a few inches away from the stems. This will increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain a constant soil temperature.

Keep the soil moist while plants establish a strong root system; mature plants are considered somewhat drought-tolerant, but they do appreciate consistent moisture during the growth and flowering season. Foliage can be trimmed back in late winter or early springtime to control growth and remove dead, damaged and diseased stems and leaves. Pinch young plants to encourage a bushy habit to form. Fertilize vines yearly for the best show of blooms with a dressing of organic compost applied around the base of the vine. Work the compost into the soil a bit, and then replace the mulch around the base.

Propagation

Although these vines can be propagated through cuttings as well as via seed, propagation by cutting is so simple and straightforward (and successful) that cutting is a better option in most cases. To propagate your Marmelade Bush, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Streptosolen by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
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 the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new vine.