Stone Crop

Firebush

Botanical name: Hameilia patens

Bloom type: Perennial 

Firebush, scientifically known as Hamelia patens, is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree in the Rubiaceae family. Native to the American tropics and subtropics, it is renowned for its vibrant, tubular flowers and attractive foliage. Firebush is widely cultivated for its ornamental value and wildlife-attracting properties. It is primarily grown for its ability to attract wildlife, such as hummingbirds and butterflies. It is also used in landscaping for hedges, borders, and as a specimen plant.

Appearance:

• Leaves: The leaves are oval to lance-shaped, glossy, and dark green with a slightly reddish tinge. They are typically 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long and are arranged oppositely or in whorls.
• Flowers: Firebush produces clusters of tubular flowers that are bright red to orange. The flowers bloom continuously from spring to fall and are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Bloom Type: The flowers are tubular and clustered in terminal cymes. Each flower is about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long.
• Size: This plant can grow to a height of 5-15 feet (1.5-4.5 meters) and spread about 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters) wide, forming a bushy, rounded canopy.