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 patens ‘Firefly’

Plant Description:

‘Firefly’ is a cultivar of the Florida native Firebush, Hamelia patens. This is similar to the species, but in compact form with leaves and 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 makes a nice specimen or accent, and attracts and 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; attracts

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 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