FloridaLandscapeIQ
Firebush (Hamelia patens) growing in South Florida
Florida NativeFFL QualifiedGrade Florida

Firebush — South Florida Plant Guide

Hamelia patens

Family: Rubiaceae · Shrub

Itilizasyon Peyizaj

mass plantingbutterfly gardenhummingbird gardenfoundation plantingwildlife habitataccentrain garden

Etikèt Estil

florida nativewildlife friendlytropicalcolorfulnaturalistic

Gid Kwasans pou Sid Florid

Bezwen Limyè

Full SunPartial SunPartial Shade

Bezwen Dlo

Low — 3/10

Once established (12–18 months), Firebush is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Moderate water needs. During establishment (6-12 months) water 2x per week. Once established, rainfall is usually sufficient with occasional dry-season supplemental watering. Tolerates brief dry periods.

Tè ak Fètilizasyon

sandylimestonefillloam

Fertilizer: Low-phosphorus slow-release native plant fertilizer

Schedule: February and September. Low-phosphorus native fertilizer.

Tolerans Sèl

Moderate (5/10) — some protection from direct spray recommended
Wotè Matire
5–12 ft
Lajè Matire
4–8 ft
Vitès Kwasans
fast
Bezwen Dlo
3/10
Nòt Florida
Florida
Pri Enstalasyon
$
Zòn USDA
8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
Estati FLEPPC
None
Nòt Iguàn
7/10

Kote pou Achte nan Sid Florid

Jwenn Firebush nan pepinyè Sid Florid — verifye disponiblite ak pri nan pepinyè pre ou.

Kesyon Souvan Poze

How fast does Firebush grow in South Florida?

Firebush has a fast growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Firebush safe for pets?

Yes, Firebush is considered pet-safe. Non-toxic to dogs and cats.

How much water does Firebush need in South Florida?

Low water needs (3/10). Once established (12–18 months), Firebush is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Firebush tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Firebush has moderate salt tolerance (5/10). It can handle some coastal exposure but should be protected from direct ocean spray.

Is Firebush available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Firebush is classified as: protected. Florida native — HOA cannot prohibit.

Disponiblite pa Konte nan Sid Florid

Miami-Dade County

Protected

Florida native — HOA cannot prohibit. FFL showcase plant.

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

Wè Gid Konte →

Broward County

Protected

Florida native — protected. FFL program standard species.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

Wè Gid Konte →

Palm Beach County

Protected

Native — protected. Butterfly garden standard.

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

Wè Gid Konte →

Collier County

Protected

Native — protected. Pollinator and wildlife garden required species.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

Wè Gid Konte →

Monroe County

Protected

Native Keys species — protected. Excellent for Monroe wildlife corridors.

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

Wè Gid Konte →

Toujou verifye egzijans konte aktyèl anvan enstalasyon.

Ask about Firebush

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.