Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Streptosolen jamesonii or Marmalade bush

The genus Streptosolen, family Solanaceae, includes 2 species of shrubs native to Colombia, Ecuador and Peru: Streptosolen jamesonii and Streptosolen benthami.

Common names: Marmalade bush, Fire bush, Orange Browallia, Yellow Heliotrope shrub.

They are evergreen shrubs that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. They have hairs on the ends of the branches. Evergreen leaves have velvety texture, ovate shape, alternate arrangement, and dark green color. Most interesting are the abundant tubular orange flowers that appear in terminal panicles. They bloom profusely from spring to early fall.

These fast-growing plants can be used to form bushy clumps, to cover low walls as a climbing plant (you will need supports), in pots as a houseplant and greenhouse, and for terraces and patios.

Streptosolen jamesonii prefers a sunny exposure if the summer is not very hot and a semi-shade exposure in climates with very hot summers. It's a tropical plant that does not resist cold below 7 ºC (44.6 ºF).

The soil can be normal garden soil to which a mixture of equal parts of manure or humus, peat and leaf mulch will be added. It's convenient to transplant them every 2 years, in spring, to a slightly larger container.

Water abundantly during spring and summer but without flooding; reduce watering in fall and winter.

Fertilize once a month with mineral fertilizer during spring and summer.

Prune lightly after flowering to favor the appearance of more flowers the following year.

They are fairly easy growing plants that do not usually suffer attacks from pests and diseases.

They are propagated from semi-woody cuttings in summer.

Images of the shrub Streptosolen jamesonii or Marmalade bush