HAMELIA PATENS

Firecracker Bush

OVERVIEW:

Hamelia patens is a fast-growing evergreen shrub known for its vivid orange-red tubular flowers and lush green foliage. Its long flowering season makes it especially attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. With its tropical appearance and strong heat tolerance, Firecracker Bush provides a colorful alternative for warm-season landscapes.

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific Name: Hamelia patens
Common Name: Firecracker Bush, Firebush
Family: Rubiaceae
Suggested Uses: Pollinator gardens, informal hedges, accent plantings, containers

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 4–8 ft.
Width: 4–6 ft.
Foliage: Glossy green, evergreen to semi-evergreen
Flower: Orange-red, tubular flowers
Bloom Period: Spring through fall
Growth Habit: Upright, branching shrub

ENVIRONMENT:

Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Use: Moderate
Soil: Well-draining soil
USDA Zone: 8–11