Firebush - patens

An interesting catching on in many landscapes is the Firebush. A.K.A. ‘the magnet’, the Firebush is a reliable tropical plant that has found its way into many a landscape because of its proven drought and soil tolerance that basically can grow anywhere. A member of the or Madder family; others are: the Ixora, Gardenia, and pentas. Another Texas SuperStar™, the Firebush does not have pest or disease problems that plague so many of the tropicals. To the delight of organic growers, this plant is a prize, because it requires no pesticides. However, its best attribute would have to be the long blooming period: May to November that and adore. An evergreen in South Texas, this plant should be treated as an annual (mature height 12-30”) from central Texas northward.

The Firebush is native to Mexico and Central America where it can be found growing wild like Johnsongrass does here in Texas. However, Indigenous people use the plant for medicinal purposes rather than for its ornamental interest in those countries. For example, the berries are edible and even fermented into an acidic drink. Leaves and stems are crushed and applied to cuts, blisters, rashes, skin fungus, and stings.

Firebush should be planted in full sun or part shade in well-drained soil beginning in mid-May and on into the summer. Firebush can tolerate many types of soils from heavy clays to high alkaline as long as it has good drainage. Water at planting and regularly until plant is established, then only when top inch of soil is dry. Firebush can easily be killed when overwatered. Use a complete fertilizer at planting and then once a month with soluble nitrogen to continue a strong blooming show. The show continues for into the fall when the foliage changes to a striking blood-red color.

Plant Firebush in masses, with low-growing annuals planted in front, along a fence or structure about 1 foot apart. It also does well in containers in full or part sun around pools or sunny decks and patios. For a native touch to the landscape, plant it with American Beautyberry, ornamental grasses, or a white-flowering annual, such as white-trailing lantana.

Propagation is by soft wood cuttings in spring or by seed.

By Lisa Lennon – TBG Partners – [email protected]