Hamelia, Red

Commonly spotted in Florida and Texas, this flowering plant is grown mainly for its uniquely coloured flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Scientific Name:Hamelia patens

Common Names:fire bush, hummingbird bush, scarlet bush, firecracker bush

Flower Colours:red

Bloom Time:flowers most of the year

Maximum Reachable Height: 5feet

Difficulty to Grow:easy

Care:relatively pest-free

Sunlight:full sun to partial shade

Soil: well-drained soil high in organic matter

Water:water regularly and let the top soil dry between waterings

Fertiliser: feedonly once in summer using a general-purpose fertiliser

Useful/Special Features:stems and roots used in tanning leather

Culinary Use:the small black berry-like fruit is edible and medicinal

Ornamental Use:the fiery orange-red flowers make Hamelia an excellent choice for decorating front porches and garden paths to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and migratory birds

Medicinal Use:used in traditional medicine in some countries

References:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/firebush/growing-hamelia-firebush-plants.htm
https://www.thespruce.com/firebush-growing-profile-3862385