Hamelia Patens Plant

On oct 13 2017 lightyellow from ponte vedra beach fl wrote. It can be drought tolerant once established as a perennial in zone 9 or above but prefers regular moisture when grown as an annual.

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Hamelia patens plant

Firebush also known as hamelia patens is. The name firebush doesn t just describe this plant s gorgeous flame colored flowers. Common names include firebush hummingbird bush scarlet bush and redhead in belize this plant s mayan name is ix canaan and is also known as guardian of the.

Hamelia patens is a large perennial shrub or small tree in the coffee family rubiaceae that is native to the american subtropics and tropics its range extends from florida in the southern united states to as far south as argentina. Hamelia patens is a large perennial shrub or small tree that is typically grown as an annual either directly in the soil or in containers that can be taken indoors during the winter. A tropical tree by design the mexican fire bush freezes to the ground in winter in zones 8 11 but grows up to 5 feet tall by summer s end.

Aside from being the number one plant for hummingbirds i have ever seen the berries are loved by migratory songbirds. Hamelia patens commonly called scarlet bush or texas firebush is native to southern florida mexico central and south america. This plant can take heat and drought but a strong wind can cause some leaf browning.

Closely related plants occur in the caribbean and central america. In recent years plants have been found growing wild near homesites in north florida what you plant can escape into the wild if planted beyond the natural range please plant responsibly this plant has the potential to be invasive when used outside. However it grows best when well supplied with moisture and prefers a full sun to partial shade location in the landscape.

I hope to propagate this hamelia patens next spring with cuttings as the hummers do like it quite well. Hamelia patens can be found growing naturally in a variety of situations in florida from sumter county southward. Quite a number of florida nurseries offer hamelia patens compacta and there is much confusion involving this cultivar name.

Hamelia Patens Jacq 1760 Overview