Marmalade Bush Streptosolen jamesonii

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

The common name of Streptosolen jamesonii is Marmalade Bush, due to its striking orange to flame-colored flowers which resemble the color of marmalade. This evergreen shrub is known for its cascading display of flowers and foliage. The plant has glossy, dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the tubular blossoms, which tend to grow in clusters. These flowers are renowned for their year-round blooming capability in ideal conditions, though they typically peak during spring and summer. The blooms of Marmalade Bush transition in color as they mature, starting out yellow and becoming more orange and red as they age. This creates a multicolored effect that is highly decorative and appealing. The plant itself is bushy and dense, with a branching habit that gives it a rounded and somewhat sprawling appearance. Marmalade Bush's vibrant flowers are not only visually captivating; they also attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding to its ornamental charm. Its ability to flower throughout the year makes it a favorite among gardeners who desire consistent color in their landscapes. The overall impression of the Marmalade Bush is that of a warm, inviting plant with a profusion of bright, cheerful blossoms that stand out in any garden setting.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Solanaceae.
- Synonyms
  Marmalade Bush, Fire Bush, Orange Browallia.
- Common names
  Browallia jamesonii, Streptosolen jamesonii var. macranthus.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Marmalade Bush (Streptosolen jamesonii) is not widely known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information on the toxicity of this plant, and it is not commonly reported to cause poisoning when ingested. However, as with many plants not commonly consumed, it is generally advised to avoid ingestion as its full effects are not thoroughly researched and individual allergic reactions or gastrointestinal disturbances could occur.
- To pets
  The Marmalade Bush (Streptosolen jamesonii) also is not widely recognized as toxic to pets. There is insufficient evidence pointing to specific toxic properties or components within this plant that would cause serious harm to animals such as dogs or cats. As always, to prevent potential unknown risks, pets should not be allowed to ingest this plant. If a pet does consume parts of the Marmalade Bush and shows signs of illness, it is always best to consult a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Orange
- Height
  4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
- Spread
  3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
- Plant type
  Shrub
- Hardiness zones
  9
- Native area
  South America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Marmalade Bush adds vivid color and tropical flair to gardens with its bright orange to yellow tubular flowers that are in bloom most of the year.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers of the Marmalade Bush attract beneficial pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting biodiversity.
- Ease of Care: Marmalade Bush is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care once established, making it ideal for beginner gardeners.
- Fast Growth: It is known for its rapid growth rate, quickly filling in spaces in the garden and providing lush foliage and abundant flowers.
- Screening: With its dense growth habit, Marmalade Bush can be used to create natural screens or hedges, offering privacy and reducing noise pollution.
- Versatility: This plant can be grown in a variety of settings, including containers, which makes it suitable for patios, balconies, and indoor settings with ample light.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially when planted on slopes or in areas prone to soil degradation.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Streptosolen jamesonii, commonly known as the Marmalade Bush, can be utilized for creating natural, vibrant hedges or privacy screens due to its dense foliage and rapid growth in favorable climates.
- The bright orange flowers of the Marmalade Bush make it an excellent choice for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden, aiding in the pollination of other plants.
- Due to its cascading growth habit, the Marmalade Bush is suitable for hanging baskets or elevated planters where its flowering branches can drape attractively.
- In floral arrangements, the long-lasting flowers of the Marmalade Bush can add a tropical and colorful touch to bouquets or centerpieces.
- The Marmalade Bush can serve as an effective erosion control plant on slopes and banks, anchoring soil with its root system.
- In coastal areas, the Marmalade Bush can be used as part of landscaping to offer a degree of salt spray tolerance, making it a good candidate for seaside gardens.
- For educational gardens or botany studies, the Marmalade Bush's interesting blooming pattern and growth form make it a valuable specimen for observation and learning.
- When planted along garden pathways, the Marmalade Bush can be pruned to form a living archway, providing a colorful passage for walkers.
- In more urban environments, the Marmalade Bush can help in creating green roofs or living walls, contributing to urban biodiversity and enhancing the aesthetic of buildings.
- The Marmalade Bush's dense growth and foliage can be a natural habitat for small birds and insects, fostering local ecosystems in gardens and parks.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Marmalade Bush is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Marmalade Bush is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Warmth and Brightness: Commonly known as the Marmalade Bush, Streptosolen jamesonii bears vibrant, warm-hued flowers that are reminiscent of a bright, sunny day or the inviting flavors of marmalade, which can symbolize warmth, happiness, and positivity.
- Adaptability: The Marmalade Bush is adaptable to various environments, which can be symbolic of flexibility and the ability to thrive in different circumstances or changes in life.
- Resilience: Its ability to bloom throughout the year, especially in favorable conditions, can represent resilience and the endurance to keep going no matter the challenges.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

50%

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Marmalade Bush (Streptosolen jamesonii) prefers to be watered deeply and infrequently to mimic natural rainfall, with the top inch of soil allowed to dry out between waterings. During the growing season, typically spring and summer, this may translate to watering once per week, whereas in the cooler months, watering can be reduced to once every two weeks or less depending on the environment's humidity. It is important to provide approximately one gallon of water per square foot of soil every time you water, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the root zone. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to have well-draining soil and to adjust the watering schedule according to the weather and the plant's needs.
Light
Marmalade Bush thrives in bright, indirect light but can also handle direct sunlight, especially in the cooler hours of the morning. The ideal spot for this plant is a south or west-facing window where it receives plenty of light but is shielded from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. If grown outdoors, a little shade during the peak heat of the day can help prevent stress.
Temperature
Marmalade Bush is comfortable in temperatures ranging from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can tolerate brief periods outside this range. The ideal temperature conditions for this plant are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be protected from frost, as temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning the Marmalade Bush is essential for maintaining its shape and encouraging fuller, more vibrant growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Regular pruning, generally once per year or after blooming, allows for removal of dead or damaged branches and helps rejuvenate the plant for the upcoming season.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Marmalade bush thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A perfect mix could be equal parts peat, pine bark, and coarse sand or perlite for aeration.
Repotting
Marmalade bush should be repotted every 2-3 years, preferably in spring, to refresh the soil and provide space for growing roots.
Humidity & Misting
Marmalade bush prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%, to thrive indoors or in a greenhouse setting.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place marmalade bush in bright, indirect light indoors for best growth.
- Outdoor
  Grow marmalade bush in partial sun outdoors, sheltered from harsh conditions.
- Hardiness zone
  9-11 USDA
Life cycle
The Marmalade Bush (Streptosolen jamesonii) begins its life cycle as a seed, which, upon finding suitable conditions, germinates and grows into a seedling. The seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of the first true leaves after the initial cotyledons. As the seedling matures, it progresses into a vegetative growth stage, where it develops a bushy structure with evergreen leaves and begins to establish a strong root system. Following this, the Marmalade Bush enters the flowering stage, displaying vibrant orange to yellow tubular flowers that attract pollinators and are most prolific in spring and summer. After pollination, the flowers develop into small fruit that contain seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, the Marmalade Bush may experience periods of active growth and dormancy, affected by seasonal changes and environmental conditions.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to summer
- The Marmalade Bush (Streptosolen jamesonii) can be propagated by stem cuttings, which is the most popular method. The best time for taking cuttings is during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate the Marmalade Bush, select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut them into lengths of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters). Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light. Keeping the soil consistently moist, roots will usually develop within a few weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots to grow on before eventually being planted out in the garden.