How to Grow Firebush
Hamelia patens
Firebush is a Florida and Caribbean native shrub producing clusters of tubular red-orange flowers almost year-round in warm climates, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Extremely heat and drought tolerant once established. Grows in full sun to partial shade in any well-drained soil. Frost-tender; dies back to roots in light frost and recovers in spring. In cooler climates, grow as an annual or overwinter in a container.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Firebush is not a heavy feeder but responds well to regular nutrition with more prolific flowering.
Watch For
- Whitefly in sheltered conditions
- Spider mites in dry heat
- Scale insects on stems
- Frost damage to tips in marginal areas
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Flowers most prolifically in full sun but tolerates partial shade. In cooler climates, a warm sheltered position maximises flowering and reduces frost risk.
Watering
Drought tolerant once established
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once settled, firebush is extremely heat and drought tolerant. Avoid overwatering in winter.
Fertilizing
Monthly balanced feed in growing season
Feed monthly with a balanced fertiliser during active growth. Firebush is not a heavy feeder but responds to regular nutrition with more prolific flowering.
Pruning
Hard prune in late winter
Cut back hard in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Firebush flowers on new wood, so hard pruning encourages vigorous growth and abundant blooms.
