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Hamelia patens (Mexican fire bush, Scarlet bush, Firecracker shrub)

Hamelia patens Photo/Illustration: Jerry Pavia

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Hamelia patens ha-MEL-ee-ah PAT-enz Common Name: Mexican fire bush, Scarlet bush, Firecracker shrub Genus: Hamelia
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. The erect, branched, woody stems bear simple copper-toned leaves with small orange flowers bunched along the tips. It loves the heat, and the more you can give it, the more vigorous it will be.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Coppery orange flowers from summer into fall. Good for hedges, borders, and accents where hardy. As an annual, it can be grown in borders and containers. Good plant for butterfly and bird habitat gardens.
 Care: Easily grown in average, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade (best flowering occurs in full sun). Needs good drainage and does best in high heat. If growing as an annual, plant in a container to winter indoors if desired. Although somewhat drought-tolerant once established as a perennial in southern areas, it prefers regular moisture when grown as an annual.
 Propagation: Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or by seed.
 Problems: Nothing serious.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Attracts Birds; Attracts Butterflies; Attracts Hummingbirds; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Fall; Summer
Flower Color Orange/ Salmon Flower; Red Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Suitable as Annual
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Trees,Tropicals

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