Water
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. Reduce watering in winter, allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Also known as Chilean Fire Bush · Chilean Firetree · Chilean Flame-Flower
Embothrium coccineum, the Chilean Firebush, is a stunning evergreen shrub or small tree known for its vibrant scarlet flowers that bloom in spring. Native to Chile and Ar
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers a sunny location, but can tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates.
Regular watering
75% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during active growth. Reduce in winter.
Acidic, Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 8-11. Protect from harsh frost and extreme heat.
Light feeding
25% intensity
Feed in spring and mid-summer with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. Reduce watering in winter, allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly after flowering to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant. Heavy pruning is generally not required.
Avoid pruning in late summer or autumn to prevent stimulating new growth susceptible to frost.
Easily propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in mid-summer. Root cuttings in a well-draining, moist medium, preferably in a warm environment. Seeds can also be sown in autumn or spring after stratification.
Young plants benefit from repotting every 1-2 years in spring. Mature plants need less frequent repotting, usually every 3-4 years, or when root-bound. Use a well-draining, acidic potting mix.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Chilean Firebush (Embothrium coccineum)
Where Chilean Firebush (Embothrium coccineum) is found

Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Proteales |
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Genus | Embothrium |
| Species | Embothrium coccineum |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data