Chilean firebush (notro) Embothrium coccineum
Chilean firebush (notro) (Embothrium coccineum) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Proteaceae family, native to Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. It grows 4–10 m (13–33 ft) tall and 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
Plan Chilean firebush (notro) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Chilean firebush (notro) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Mature height | 4–10 m (13–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Chilean and Argentine Patagonia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Chilean firebush (notro) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Chilean firebush (notro)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Chilean firebush (notro)
- How far apart should I plant Chilean firebush (notro)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft).
- Does Chilean firebush (notro) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chilean firebush (notro) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Chilean firebush (notro)?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Chilean firebush (notro) flower?
- From about May for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Chilean firebush (notro) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Chilean firebush (notro)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Chilean firebush (notro). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Smothered in scarlet tubular flowers in late spring; hummingbird-pollinated. Needs acid, phosphate-poor soil (protea family).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Macadamia Macadamia integrifolia
- King protea Protea cynaroides
- Pincushion protea Leucospermum cordifolium
- Rosemary grevillea Grevillea rosmarinifolia
- Coast banksia Banksia integrifolia
- Waratah Telopea speciosissima
- Silver tree (witteboom) Leucadendron argenteum
- Oleander-leaf protea Protea neriifolia