Hamelia patens (Fire Bush)

Botanical name: Hamelia patens

Common names: Fire Bush, Firecracker Plant

Family: Rubiaceae

Origin: Florida

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Close

It has pale green rounded leaves and small, tubular red-orange flowers. Though it can grow to 6-9ft or more in height, it responds well to hard pruning and can be used to make a dense medium-sized hedge or an attractive shaped plant; pruning, however, inhibits the blooms, which appear at the ends of the branches. Hamelia likes full sun and very well-drained soil. Propagation is easy by means of cuttings. One of the best butterfly attractors.

Similar plants: Hamelia patens (Fire Bush)

• Hamelia axillaris (Balsamillo)
• Hamelia cuprea (Bahama Firebush)