Hemelia patens (Firebush)


Michael's Opinion

Commonly known as Firebush, this fast growing semi-woody evergreen can grow up to 4.5 m under ideal conditions. However this shrub is usually seen when it is much smaller. The leaves are whorled and elliptic to oval shaped, while the flowers are presented in showy terminal clusters.

Botanical Information

FamilyRubiaceae
GenusHemelia
Speciespatens
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginSouthern Florida, Mexico and Central and South America.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9-10
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H2
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-4) - 4
Temperature (°F)25 - 40
Height30-91 cm
Spread30-60 cm
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJune, July, August, September

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionMessy branching that tends to hang or droop touching the ground. Can be a very dense shrub suited for naturalized plantings if left unpruned. Flowers almost all year, depending on the geographic region.
ID CharacteristicThe flowers resemble firecrackers, appear in terminal clusters and are orange-red. Leaves are whorled and limey green.
ShapeInformal, usually mounding shape but never a clean pruned type-look. The branching structure of the plant does not permit shaping while pruning.
LandscapeExcellent for use in hedges, borders and as an accent plant. This fast growing shrub should be pruned to keep it within a manageable size.
PropagationPropagated through softwood stem cuttings or in spring by seed.
CultivationEasily grown in well drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Although somewhat drought tolerant if grown as an annual it prefers more regular watering.
PestsPowdery mildew.
HabitatOpen woodlands, thickets and hammocks.
Bark/Stem DescriptionMain stem is brown and smooth while the inner bark is light green. Small young twigs are orange to purple.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionSmall light red-pink ball-like structure borne on stems arranged symmetrically. Oblong oval shaped with several orifices arranged in a circle.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are opposing, grouped in 3-4 and slightly pubescent and glabrous with petioles 1-2 cm long.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are long and narrow, resembling firecrackers, approximately 5-8 cm in length, flowers only open slightly at the end.
Colour DescriptionDark green to light green leaf colour with flowers orange to red.
Texture DescriptionSmooth, most surfaces on the plant are slightly pubescent giving it a slightly silky texture.

Photographs