Chilean Fire Bush (Embothrium coccineum): Scarlet Flames in the Temperate Garden

Chilean Fire Bush (Embothrium coccineum), also called Flame Flower, is a stunning evergreen shrub or small tree from the temperate rainforests of Chile and Argentina. In late spring to early summer, it ignites with tubular, scarlet-red flowers that cover the plant in a blaze of color.

Floral Fireworks

The flowers are borne in dense, terminal racemes—each bloom a slender, curved tube of intense red, split at the tip. They're nectar-rich, attracting hummingbirds in their native range and bees elsewhere. Narrow, leathery, dark green leaves provide a perfect foil. The plant grows 10–20 feet tall, often multi-stemmed.

Botanical Profile

• Family: Proteaceae
• Genus: Embothrium
• Species: coccineum

Cultivation Challenges

Notoriously particular: demands acidic, well-drained, low-phosphorus soil (Proteaceae are phosphorus-sensitive). Cool, moist roots; full sun to light shade. Hardy to zone 8 (maybe 7b with protection). Hates heat, humidity, and alkaline soil. A challenge—but the floral reward is unmatched for temperate collectors.