Firebush

Firebush (Hamelia patens) is a showy native Florida shrub much beloved of butterflies. The trumpet shaped bright orange flowers are great attractors for larger butterflies like Monarch, Sulphurs, Zebra Longwing and even some Swallowtails. Also a favorite of hummingbirds and bees, placing this shrub in your garden almost guarantees you some visits from your local wildlife.

Firebush can quickly grow into a tall shrub and can be pruned into a small tree. If you don't have enough room for such a large plant look for the dwarf variety often known as 'Compacta' which stays around the 5 to 6 foot range. Another dwarf variety, Hamelia patens var. glabra, is not native to the U.S. but is widely sold at garden centers and there is some concern it may be hybridizing with our native species. Learn more about the difference between the two and the possible dangers here.

Firebush is one of the easiest Florida native shrubs to find and care for. It thrives in well-drained soil in full sun to shade, and withstands droughts once established. It will bloom year-round if the temperatures stay above freezing, or may lose its leaves for a few months in the Florida winter if it's chilly. If hit with too much frost, firebush may appear to die back completely, but will often surprise you by flushing back out in the spring with gorgeous reddish foliage.

Firebush's flowers are followed by black berries that birds enjoy. This shrub is an all-star wildlife attractor, and belongs in any Florida wildlife garden. You'll find it growing all over the MOSI Outside gardens, and you'll just about always see it full of bees, butterflies, and other happy pollinators!