Wikimedia Commons
Rubiaceae
Firebush
Hamelia patens
Burning passion.
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Genus
- Hamelia
- Native to
- Florida, Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Type
- shrub
- Height
- 5-15 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- well-drained
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 8-11
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Hummingbirds find the orange-red tubular flowers irresistible — a single bush can host battles between several territorial males.
- It blooms continuously year-round in frost-free climates.
- Crushed leaves stain skin a reddish color, earning it the name 'redhead.'
- Native peoples in Latin America use it medicinally for skin sores, insect bites, and rashes.
- After flowering, the small fruits ripen from green to red to deep purple-black, providing food for birds.
Color meanings
0
intensity
1
tropical fire