Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Wednesday - May 05, 2010
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Shrubs
Title: Did Mexican fire bush (Hamelia patens) survive winter cold?
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a Mexican fire bush that I planted last spring and it bloomed beautifully last summer. It browned and we cut it back to the ground. Right now it's showing no signs of life and I'm afraid it may have died during our rough winter. When should I see growth, is it dead?ANSWER:
The USDA Plants Database shows Hamelia patens (scarletbush or firebush) as being native to the southern two-thirds of Florida. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map shows that portion of Florida in Zone 9 where the average minimum temperature is 20 to 25 for 9a and 25 to 30 for 9b and up to 40 degrees for the minimum in Zone 11. Austin is in Zone 8 where the average annual temperature minimum is 15 to 20 degrees F. Certainly we got within that minimum several times this past winter. If your plant hasn't shown some green by now, I'm sorry to tell you but I'm afraid it's a goner. You can test some of the branches that are left. If they are still flexible and not brittle, there may still be some hope, but I wouldn't count on it.
It is a beautiful plant but perhaps you should consider a plant that is native to this area if you decide to replace it. Here are some suggestions:
Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Wright's desert honeysuckle)
Erythrina herbacea (redcardinal)
Hesperaloe parviflora (redflower false yucca)
Lobelia cardinalis (cardinalflower)
Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (wax mallow)
Here are photos from our Image Gallery:
More Shrubs Questions
Transplanting and germination of Pride of Barbados in Adkins, TX
April 02, 2012 - What is the root system like of the Pride of Barbados? I have a lot of new plants coming up in my beds from seeds. Can these be transplanted to a new location easily without damaging the plants? If...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen Privacy Hedge for Long Island
June 29, 2012 - I live on Long Island and want a privacy evergreen hedge partial sun.
view the full question and answer
Deer resistant plants from New Braunfels TX
August 31, 2012 - I have a 1/2 yard covered by a tree, shady. Bermuda grass previous owner planted has all turned brown this summer. I don't have lots of money to work with but would love to landscape that side of fr...
view the full question and answer
Erosion Control for a NC Clay Slope
June 06, 2013 - Hi, We have a large slope on the road edge of our property that has been gradually eroding with spring rains (NC red clay). We would really like to plant something for erosion control but the bank is...
view the full question and answer
Need help identifying shrub with large thorns in Tennessee.
March 10, 2009 - A shrub?with very large thorns. Main stock of plant woody
with a gray and white splotchy bark at base. Branches are
green and shiney and have very large heavy thorns spaced
several inches apart on...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |