Plant Profile: Firebush

By Craig Huegel

Reprinted from The Understory, Jul.–Aug. 1994

Firebush, Hamelia patens, is one of the few natives that has become established in the mainstream nursery trade and is, therefore, familiar to many of you. Its acceptance is due to its many fine horticultural characteristics, and its use in the landscape should be encouraged wherever proper planting conditions occur.

Firebush is a member of the coffee family, the Rubiaceae. Its non-native relatives include coffee and popular ornamentals such as ixora, gardenia, and pentas. Native members include wild coffees Psychotria spp.), snowberry Chiococca sp.), white indigoberry Randia aculeata), and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). A quick look at this group turns up a number of showy flowering plants, many of which are fragrant and/or attractive to butterflies. Firebush is no exception. Numerous clusters of orange-red tubular flowers are produced across the crown of the plant in nearly every month of the year. Flower production decreases sharply during the winter, but this will vary depending on weather. The flowers are not noticeably fragrant, but they attract a wealth of butterflies and are one of the surest ways to lure hummingbirds to visit.

Firebush also is a prodigious fruit producer. Fruits are about 1/4" across, succulent and edible. Bright red as they develop, the fruits ripen to a deep purple several months later. Fruit production is reliable and occurs during most months. Although the taste is nothing to treasure, wildlife are fond of them and they are a reliable food source.

Firebush is a resident of hammock margins and disturbed sites throughout south Florida. It occurs in isolated frost-protected pockets as far north as Polk County, but it does not reach its full potential in areas where it is subjected to freezing temperatures. In south Florida, this round shrub may reach 15 feet in height. In Pinellas County, it will rarely achieve 10 feet before it is frozen back. Growth is initially rapid. Freeze-damaged plants will quickly rebound and often return to be even fuller than before. In fact, you may well wish to occasionally prune your firebush to keep it full if a freeze doesn't do it for you first.

Optimal growth occurs in sites that are slightly alkaline and reasonably fertile. Although this shrub can be used in nearly any light setting, it responds best to partial or filtered sun. Full sunlight often causes the leaves to scorch and deeper shade produces leggy growth and few flowers. Firebush is susceptible to a number of insect pests that can seriously stunt its growth, especially during its initial establishment. The worst pests include aphids and various scales. Often, these potential problems are compounded by the use of excess fertilizer or by locating the plant in too much shade. If a problem occurs in a small, newly-planted specimen, treat it sensibly. Once established, the problems usually are taken care of by natural forces such as ladybugs. Let the natural forces work.

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