Hamelia patens
We carry this. Available at our St. Augustine nursery; call (904) 471-0440 to confirm current stock.
Firebush (Hamelia patens) is a fast-growing Florida native shrub producing clusters of tubular orange-red flowers nearly year-round, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies including zebra longwings and gulf fritillaries. Root-hardy through zone 9b, it rebounds vigorously after freeze events and thrives in NE Florida's heat and humidity. Starting at $9.95.
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Thrives in full sun where it blooms most heavily; tolerates part sun but flowering diminishes. In NE Florida, full sun is ideal for maximum hummingbird and butterfly attraction.
Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during the first growing season. Thereafter, NE Florida's summer rainfall is generally sufficient. Avoid overwatering — firebush does not tolerate wet feet.
Grows in any well-drained soil including NE Florida's sandy and loamy soils; tolerates a wide pH range. Fertilize sparingly — excessive fertilizer promotes rank vegetative growth at the expense of flowers. In zone 9b, plants may freeze to the ground in hard winters but resprout vigorously from roots; cut back to 6 inches in late February before new growth emerges.
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Firebush is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with high salt tolerance, reaching 5-15 feet × 5-8 feet.
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.
