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A mature Firebush (Hamelia patens) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Border · Container · Patio · Butterfly · Cottage

Data sources

Missouri Botanical Garden, NC State Extension

Firebush

Hamelia patens · Perennial

Firebush is a moderate-growing perennial, hardy in USDA zones 9-10, that matures to about 1–3 ft × 1–2 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with medium water needs in well-drained soil. Expect yellow, orange and red blooms in summer and fall. It attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and songbirds, stands up well to heat and salt and grows happily in containers.

USDA zones
9-10
Sun
Full sun, Part shade
Water
Medium
Mature size
1–3 ft × 1–2 ft
Spacing
12 in-3 ft
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Soil
Well-drained
Foliage
Green
Bloom color
Yellow, Orange, Red
Bloom season
Summer, Fall
Attracts
Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Songbirds
Tough against
Heat, Salt
Native to
South America

Will it survive your winters?

We score Firebush’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 9 · Zone 10

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