Fire-flame bush
Woodfordia fruticosa
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Pl. 9A0F — Woodfordia fruticosa
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IOverview
Overview
Fire-flame bush, scientifically known as Woodfordia fruticosa, is a shrub native to regions including Assam, Bangladesh, China (South-Central and Southeast), Comoros, East Himalaya, India, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Islands, Madagascar, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Tanzania, Thailand, and Vietnam. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It can grow up to 5 meters tall and is known for its edible flowers. The fire-flame bush is valued both ornamentally and as a source of food in its native range.
Quick answers
What is Fire-flame bush?
Fire-flame bush, scientifically known as Woodfordia fruticosa, is a shrub native to regions including Assam, Bangladesh, China (South-Central and Southeast), Comoros, East Himalaya, India, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Islands, Madagascar, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Fire-flame bush thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and grows to a height of about 5 meters. For propagation, use the flowers as an edible part. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture while maintaining well-drained conditions to prevent root rot.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
5.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Fire-flame bush for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Fire-flame bush and focus on basic care for the first year.
- 1
What you'll need
A Fire-flame bush plant, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when temperatures are warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nursery pots to your garden bed after the last frost.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, regular watering, and occasional pruning to maintain shape. Watch for signs of overwatering or underwatering.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to encourage new growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting regular pruning, using unsuitable soil types, and not providing enough support for the plant's height.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Flowers
Edible uses: Drink, Gum
Other uses:DyeFire starterGumMordantSoil conditionerErosion controlTanninCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 21 native
Asia12 regions
native (12)BangladeshChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarNepalPakistanPhilippinesSaudi ArabiaSri LankaThailandVietnam
Africa3 regions
native (3)ComorosMadagascarTanzania
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, Jawa, Sulawesi, Lesser Sunda Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 9a0f9c60-48bf-45ec-9797-4daf64a3d2ad
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