Hamelia patens * Firebush

Hamelia patens, Firebush is native to an area from Florida into Mexico. The Firebush grows well in full sun to light shade, the more shade the fewer the blooms. Hamelia patens blooms mid to late Summer with slender orange flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Firebush prefers well drained soils. Hamelia patens will get by on a limited water diet but will tolerate normal garden watering so long as the drainage is ok. Firebush often tops out at 3-5 feet tall and wide in California Gardens. but will grow to 10-12 feet in favored locations. Firebush is used medicinally and a brew is made from the berries. Hamelia patens is evergreen in frost free gardens, and will tolerate temperatures into the mid-20's but will be deciduous, colder and it will die to the ground and be slow to recover.