09/09/2025
Exciting plant of the day #17 Embothrium coccineum, Chilean Fire-tree. Yes, I took a break from the exciting plant posts since late June, but it’s time to start again. Fall is for planting and all that. So the main feature of this remarkable tree is its unbelievable show of screaming red flowers in the spring, hot enough to melt your pants off. It is semi-deciduous and can have yellow fall color, but that’s not as important. A Protea family member native to Chile, it seems pretty well adapted west of the Cascades where it can handle temperatures down to the 5 – 10°F range. I like the idea of planting this where it will frame a mountain view, though of course you don’t want to entirely block it off: this tree can reach 35 – 50’ tall eventually.
Embothrium coccineum is NOW AVAILABLE in the 4” pot size for $24 each. They may be small, but it is best to plant them when small anyway. They can be picked up here at the nursery, mail-ordered, or delivered.
Plant profile: https://www.desertnorthwest.com/plants/embothrium/coccineum.html
Full on-site plant list here: http://www.desertnorthwest.com/local/retail.html
Mail-order list here: http://www.desertnorthwest.com/catalog/
The nursery is open Saturdays through September, and by appointment. To schedule an appointment, email Ian at [email protected]
I have given up on the weekly livestream for now. However, I’ll remind you that a FREE DELIVERY SERVICE is remains available for anywhere from the Port Angeles area down to Kitsap County. That’s right; I’ll deliver plants right to your door—please inquire if interested.
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