Photo of Hamelia patens flower by Almost Eden

Photo by Almost Eden

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Hamelia patens

Also Known As

  • Hummingbird Bush
  • Mexican Fire Bush
  • Scarlet Firebush

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 3'-15'
  • W: 3'-15'

planting zones

  • 9a-10b

More Options

Hamelia patens plant details

Hamelia patens is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In summer orange and red flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - occasional water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Hamelia patens

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: rubiaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT - 15 FT - wide, 3 FT - 15 FT - tall
Flowers: orange and red blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, houseplant, showy, tropical-looking, year-round-interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Hamelia patens

USDA Zones: 9a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: deer, heat and seaside / salt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Hamelia patens is known as Hummingbird or Scarlet Firebush producing long tubular bright orange-red clusters which attract hummingbirds. Blooms late spring thru fall. May be used as a bedding plant, container gardening, or as shrubs in the deep south...Cannot Freeze
Large clusters of firey orange tubular blooms are borne from summer through fall on this vigorous tropical shrub. Bronze and reddish-orange tinged green foliage provides the backdrop for the display. While Hummingbirds and Sulphur Butterflies add color and motion. A tough and durable S Florida native that can be grown as a perennial in the northern parts of its range. Hamelia is a Dawn Stover Nifty Fifty favorite herbaceous plant! Dawn is a Research Associate at Stephen F Austin in Nacogdoches, TX and currently maintains the Mast Arboretum plant collection. For more about Dawn, the wonderful arboretum, and Stephen F Austin's excellent horticultural program click here.

Gardening facts about Hamelia patens plant

How to Grow Hamelia patens

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • seaside / salt tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant

Features

  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
    • orange
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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