Botanical Name: Hamelia patens
Common Name: Firecracker shrub, Firebush. Scarlet bush Type of Plant: dicot: perennial Character Habit of Growth: Overall Shape upright, fast growing semi-woody shrub with a rounded growth form; species plant gets large and rangy while compact forms stay tight and dense Height to 8 ft. Spread up to 6 ft. Growth Rate rapid Environment: Exposure outdoors; full sun preferred; flowering is reduced in shady locations Soil good drainage is essential Hardiness tender: Zones 13, 23, 24 Morphology: Leaves medium to gray-green leaves elliptic to oval, 6" long arranged in whorls of 3 to 7; veins and petioles tinged with reddish color Flowers narrow tubular flowers arranged in terminal cymes; flowers reddish and tipped with orange, about 3/4" long blooms spring to fall Fruit small berries, dark red to black when ripe Propagation: stem cuttings, seed Usage: an excellent source of warm spring and summer color; heavy blooming and attractive fruit make this a good wildlife attracter; useful in tropical or Mediterranean theme landscapes Landscape Care: Watering prefers regular watering; needs ample watering when in spring growth spurt; other times regular watering is sufficient Fertilizing balanced fertilizer in spring Pruning benefits from regular heading back to promote more flowers Pests/Diseases none significant Special Conditions/Other requires protection from frost; exposed plants die back Origin: Carribean region to northern South America Family: Rubiaceae Notes: |
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