How to Grow Orange Flowering Bush - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Orange flowering bush is a beautiful plant that can bring a splash of color to any garden. It is a tough plant that can withstand drought and heat, making it a great choice for those who live in warmer climates. This plant is also low-maintenance, so you won't have to spend a lot of time caring for it.

How to Grow Orange Flowering Bush - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

Scarlet bush
Flame bush
Blood bush
Red-flowering gum
Bottlebrush

Common Knowledge

The orange flowering bush is a species of flowering plant in the family Rutaceae.
It is native to South Africa and Mozambique.
It is a small shrub or tree growing to 5 m tall.
The leaves are evergreen, simple, and oblong to lanceolate, 5-15 cm long and 5-5 cm broad.
The flowers are orange, borne in inflorescences of 3-20 together.
The fruit is a drupe, 2-3 cm diameter, orange to red.
The orange flowering bush is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
It is also used in traditional medicine.
The orange flowering bush is a host plant for the larvae of the butterfly Charaxes ameliae.
It is considered an invasive species in some parts of the world.

Related plant:
Bush Orange

Growing Steps

For orange flowering bush, first step is to plant the seed or plant the cutting in soil.
The second step is to water the plant regularly.
The third step is to fertilize the plant.
The fourth step is to provide enough sunlight to the plant.
The fifth step is to prune the plant regularly.
The sixth step is to deadhead the flowers.
The seventh step is to protect the plant from pests and diseases.
The eighth step is to choose the right location for the plant.
The ninth step is to transplant the plant when needed.
The tenth step is to harvest the oranges when they are ripe.

Related plant:
Mock Orange Blossom

The Soil

About soil condition, an orange flowering bush requires well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The bush prefers full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.

Light requirement

Like the other flowers, orange flowering bushes need sun to bloom. The amount of sun needed depends on the variety of bush, but most need at least six hours of sunlight a day. If you live in an area with hot summers, these bushes will do best in a spot that gets some afternoon shade.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for an orange flowering bush is one that is warm. This type of bush thrives in temperatures that are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything outside of this range can cause the bush to become stressed and unable to produce flowers.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to drop and the plant will become less flowery. Too much humidity will cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this kind of plant food is necessary to maintain the health of your orange flowering bush. The best way to determine how much fertilizer to use is to have the soil tested. This will give you an idea of the nutrient levels in the soil and what needs to be added. When adding fertilizer to the soil, be sure to mix it in well and water it in.

About light

Pruning an orange flowering bush is a simple task that can be done with a few basic tools. First, you will need to remove any dead or dying branches from the bush. Next, you will need to trim any branches that are growing too close together. Finally, you will need to cut back any branches that are growing too long.

The Propagation

Propagation is typically done by taking cuttings from the parent plant. The cutting should be taken from new growth, and it should include at least two leaves. The cutting should be placed in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to a new location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 6 and 12 inches per year. Some orange flowering bush can grow as much as 24 inches per year. Orange flowering bush that are well cared for tend to have a faster growth rate than those that are not.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are over watering, under watering, and not enough light. If the leaves of your bush are wilting, it is likely that it is not getting enough water. If the leaves are yellowing, it is likely that it is getting too much water. Not enough light will cause the plant to become leggy and produce fewer flowers.

Tips on Growing

Make sure to plant your orange flowering bush in a location that receives full sun for best results.
When first planting, water the bush deeply and regularly to help it establish a strong root system.
Once established, water the bush weekly or as needed to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Fertilize your orange flowering bush once a year in the spring using a balanced fertilizer.
Prune away any dead or damaged branches in the late winter or early spring.
If you live in an area with deer, you may need to take steps to protect your orange flowering bush from browsing animals.
Once the bush blooms, deadhead the spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.
In the fall, rake up any fallen leaves to help prevent disease problems.
If you live in a cold climate, you may need to provide some winter protection for your orange