10 Chilean Firebush Tree Seeds
Embothrium coccineum
Flame Flower
These Hummingbird Magnets are Grown for their vivid scarlet flowers. The Chilean Firebush, or Embothrium coccineum is a tall, fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree with an upright, suckering habit. The lance-shaped, leathery leaves are deep green. For several weeks in late spring and early summer, clusters of spidery, waxy, orange-red, tubular flowers appear; these have four recurved tips and protruding stigmas that hummingbirds and butterflies adore. The Firebush Tree can grow 20-30 feet tall, & is a narrow deciduous tree that is usually multi-trunked. In late May and June, this is a tower of blazing red-orange tubular flowers that attract all kinds of pollinators. A show stopping native to Chilean and Argentinian temperate forests with dark gray, speckled bark, and deep bluish-green, semi-evergreen foliage. The real show stoppers are the long, bright red, tubular flower clusters, which bloom in late spring and last for a month or more.
Zones 8a-10b
Firebush Germination:
1) Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours. A thermos will help keep the water warm.
2) Cold stratify by placing the seeds in a bag of moist vermiculite for 60 days. Be sure to periodically check them so they don't dry out. Keep it moist at all times, but Never wet.
3) Use a well mixed & well draining "soilless" potting mix. Don't use regular commercial potting soils.
3) Use a heated propagator to keep the soil temperature at 70 degrees F.
4) Sow the seeds on top of the soil, and cover with a very thin layer of sand as they need light to germinate. Place them in a sunny window, or use a bright grow light.
5) Periodically keep moisture levels in check. If it starts to dry, mist them with a spray bottle until moist.
6) Patience is required as germination is erratic with Firebush seeds. Germination will take place anywhere between 14-60 days, so don't toss out what doesn't sprout quickly as they are still good and only need more time.
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