Baker County Extension Alicia R. Lamborn Environmental Horticulture Agent 1025 West Macclenny Avenue Macclenny, FL 32063 904-259-3520 email: [email protected] http://baker.ifas.ufl.edu
Firefly Firebush Hamelia patens ‘Firefly’
Plant Description:
‘Firefly’ is a cultivar of the Florida native Firebush, Hamelia patens. This plant is similar to the species, but in compact form with leaves and flowers about half the normal size. Orange-red tubular flowers cover the plant most of the year, and are followed by black berries and foliage that turns a bronze-orange color in fall. This soft-stemmed shrub makes a nice specimen or accent, and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds to the landscape.
Mature Size: 3 – 5 feet
Growth Rate: Fast
Plant Habit: Upright/Spreading
Plant Spacing: 36-60 inches
Ornamental Characteristics & Uses:
Foliage Color: Green
Flower Color: Orange-Red
Bloom Time: Spring – Fall
Attracts Wildlife: Flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds; fruit attracts birds
Uses: Landscape specimen or accent; mixed border; mass planting
Growing Requirements:
Cold Hardiness Zone(s): 9 – 11
Exposure: Full Sun – Shade
Water Needs: Normal
Soil Tolerances: Moderate Drought Tolerance; Tolerates Occasionally Wet Soils
Soil pH: Acidic or Alkaline
Maintenance: Low – Moderate
General Care & Growing Tips:
Firebush flowers best in full sun, but foliage is usually more attractive when grown in shade. Fertilize sparingly and mulch the root zone to keep out competing grass and weeds. It can take heat and drought, but may require supplemental irrigation from time to time. This native shrub is quite tender in North Florida and is killed to the ground during winter. It has proven to be root hardy through zone 9, so consider planting it in a slightly protected location here in Baker County (zone 8b) which tends to experience colder weather. Keeping the roots mulched may also help this plant survive the winter. For colder locations, this plant still serves very well as an annual. Propagated cuttings can be over-wintered and replanted year to year as desired.
Common Pests:
No insects or diseases are of major concern. Watch for aphids on new spring growth and occasional attacks of scales or mites, which may require control measures.
Reference: Gilman, E. F. and Meerow, A. (1999). Hamelia patens Firebush, Scarlet Bush. University of Florida. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp237
Photo Credit: Alicia Lamborn
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. 2013