Overview

Streptosolen jamesonii 'Marmalade' is a climbing conservatory greenhouse in the genus Streptosolen, part of the Solanaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Streptosolen jamesonii 'Marmalade' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, wall side borders and flower borders and beds. It is native to Bogotá, D.C. and Ecuador.

About

Streptosolen jamesonii 'Marmalade' is an evergreen climbing shrub valued for its clusters of flowers that shift from yellow through orange to red, creating an ‘orange marmalade’ effect. It flowers in the UK from July to September. The plant prefers full sun in a sheltered, east- or south-facing spot and will do well in loam or sandy soils that are moist but drain freely. As a tender plant (H1c) it is best grown under glass or in a container that can be moved under cover for winter.

About the genus

Streptosolen is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Solanaceae. It is closely related to the genus Browallia, within which it was originally placed. The single species, Streptosolen jamesonii, the marmalade bush or fire bush, is an evergreen shrub bearing loose clusters of flowers which change gradually from yellow to red as they develop, resulting in an overall appearance resembling orange marmalade, found in open woodlands in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru.

Wikipedia contributors, "Streptosolen", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Streptosolen

In the garden

A member of the Solanaceae, Streptosolen jamesonii 'Marmalade' originates from the Bogotá area of Ecuador and is an evergreen climber that produces loose clusters of flowers which progress in colour from yellow to red. Its summer display runs in the UK from July to September, making it a reliable midsummer to early autumn flowering shrub for warm sites. Give it full sun on an east- or south-facing wall or in a bright conservatory. It tolerates a range of soil pH (acid to alkaline) but prefers loam or sand-based soils that remain moist yet well drained; sheltered conditions reduce the risk of frost damage. The hardiness rating H1c indicates the plant is tender and will need winter protection — a greenhouse, conservatory or lifting into a frost-free space is advisable. Growing in a large container on a patio simplifies wintering and keeps plants compact. Use Streptosolen jamesonii 'Marmalade' as a summer feature on a trellis beside a seating area, in wall-side borders where warmth builds, or as a container specimen on a sheltered patio. The gradual colour change of individual flower clusters extends visual interest through the flowering season, especially when viewed close to a terrace or window.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Streptosolen

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1c

Plant details

Streptosolen jamesonii 'Marmalade' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Conservatory Greenhouse, Climber Wall Shrub

Habit

Climbing

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Patio and container plants, Wall side borders, Flower borders and beds

Native to

Bogotá, D.C., Ecuador

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Streptosolen jamesonii 'Marmalade'

Propagation

Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings, Layering

Pest resistance

Glasshouse whitefly, Aphids, Glasshouse red spider mite

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions