Firebush: when to plant and care
Heat-loving hummingbird and butterfly plant; root-hardy in zone 9.
| Botanical name | Hamelia patens |
|---|---|
| Type | perennial |
| USDA zones | 9–11 |
| Sun | full sun |
| Water | low-moderate |
| Bloom | summer to frost |
| Mature size | 3–6 ft (annual farther north) |
| Planting time | Spring once soil is warm (after the last frost) |
Heat-loving Southern perennials root fastest in warm soil.
Example dates
| Place | Dates |
|---|---|
| Austin, TX (78701) | spring: Mar 24–May 19 |
| Atlanta, GA (30303) | spring: Apr 7–Jun 2 |
| St. Louis, MO (63101) | spring: Apr 15–Jun 10 |
| Chicago, IL (60614) | spring: Apr 24–Jun 19 |
| Denver, CO (80202) | spring: May 14–Jul 9 |
| Seattle, WA (98101) | spring: Mar 27–May 22 |
Every ZIP page has its own dates. Find your ZIP.
Pruning: when to prune.
State plant programs
- Selected by the Texas Superstar® program (Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension), listed as “Firebush”
“Texas Superstar” is a registered trademark of Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Use ® on first mention, no logo, not in our titles/domain/brand. Phrase as “selected as a Texas Superstar® plant by Texas A&M AgriLife.” YardThisWeek is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by these programs. See state plant programs.
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Sources
- USDA NRCS: PLANTS Database (not copyrighted; cite USDA NRCS)
- UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program: FFL Plant Guide
Summarized in our own words from public extension publications.
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