Native Plant Database

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Hamelia patens Jacq.

Firebush, Scarletbush

Rubiaceae (Madder Family)

USDA Symbol: HAPA3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Scarletbush or firebush’s terminal clusters of five-lobed, tubular, bright-red flowers are followed by dark-red berries. The leaves of this showy, tropical shrub are either opposite or whorled. The plant grows 3-6 ft. high in the northern part of its range and up to 12 ft. in the southern part.

Scarletbush is a member of the madder family (family Rubiaceae) which includes herbs, shrubs, and trees, with flowers borne in a branched cluster. There are about 500 genera and 6,000 species that occur primarily in tropical regions, where woody representatives are most frequent. Madder (a dye), coffee, and quinine are obtained from the family. Gardenias are popular ornamentals in mild climates.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Size Class: 6-12 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov , Dec

Distribution

USA: FL
Native Distribution: S. & c. FL
Native Habitat: Hammocks; coastal dunes; shell middens
USDA Native Status: L48(N), PR(N), VI(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Description: Fertile to sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)

Hamelia patens is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Pluto sphinx
(Xylophanes pluto)

Food Source
Learn more at BAMONA

Propagation

Description: Not Available
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
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Mr. Smarty Plants says

Question: I have a Hamelia Patens (Fire Bush) it says it will grow to 12 feet high and 5-6 feet across. Can I keep pruning it to about 5 feet without damaging the shrub?
click here to view the full question and answer

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Native Plant Nursery - Sanibel, FL

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Texas Discovery Gardens - Dallas, TX

Bibliography

Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.
Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Hamelia patens in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Hamelia patens in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Hamelia patens

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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