Description
Plant Details
Botanical Name: Hamelia patens
Host Plant to: Butterflies, hummingbirds
Nectar Plant to: Hummingbirds, bees, and many butterflies
Plant Life Cycle: Perennial in zones 8–11, annual elsewhere
Light Requirements: Full sun; tolerates partial shade
Soil Type: Well-drained; adaptable to poor soils
Moisture Requirements: Average; drought-tolerant when established
USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11
Plant Height: 3–10 feet (can be pruned)
Plant Spacing: 3–5 feet
Bloom Time: Spring through frost
Bloom Color: Bright red to orange tubular blooms
Special Features: Deer-resistant, fast-growing, pollinator-friendly
Description
I’ve planted the firebush plant in spots where most things struggle — hot, dry, sandy soil — and it still took off. Once it’s in the ground and gets a little water to start, it just grows. The red-orange flowers show up fast and don’t stop, especially if it’s getting sun.
The blooms are why people notice it. Those red fire bush flowers really stand out against the green leaves, and they’re full of nectar. I’ve watched hummingbirds hit it every morning like clockwork. Butterflies come too, especially in the summer. Some folks prune it into a neat shape, but I let mine go a little wild — it still looks good.
Even if you’re just getting into gardening, this one’s easy. The fire bush plant grows fast, handles heat, and doesn’t fuss if you forget to water once in a while. It works great as a fence liner, in the back of a border, or as a stand-alone. It can get big, or you can keep it small. Either way, it adds serious color with almost no work.
