Hummingbird Bush aka Texas Firecracker ( Hamelia patens )
Texas Flame Bush will top out at 10′ tall but I’ve heard tales of it reaching 16′ in height, if given some support.
In colder areas the leaves turn red in the fall and it will freeze back almost to the ground in winter and reappear in spring. Hummingbirds love this plant as do butterflies. Fruits formed from flowers will be eaten by the birds.
This bush can do very well in partial shade. However, to be full rather than spindly it will want full sun. Hummingbird bush will flower throughout the warm months, the warmer it is the more the plant will flower.
Once established Hummingbird bush is drought tolerant, but prefers regular waterings.
Trim every year in Feb. to keep this plant looking its best. Flowers are on new growth so be brave with the pruning shears. You may choose to cut it back to the ground each year.
Once settled in you should see flowers almost year round in our area.
Extract from leaves is used to treat wounds in South and Central America.
Texas Firecracker is a native plant to here and Mexico.
Propagate from hardwood cuttings.
More information:
Plant Answers, Firebush
5 Responses to 'Hummingbird Bush aka Texas Firecracker ( Hamelia patens )'
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A few leaves, newer ones, curled up and died with last weeks sub-freezing temperatures but it seems otherwise ok.
admin
7 Jan 08 at 2:06 pm
Wonderful plant. It has doubled or tripled in size this summer. I’ve cut it back a little already. The humming birds love it.
Even when it is not blooming the leaves and stems have a hint of red and it makes a nice shrub.
It has, however, bloomed all summer and is still going strong.
ljmacphee
25 Aug 08 at 12:44 pm
This plant has done well. It weathered Ike just fine. It dies back in the winter, re-leafs out in spring. No problems, the hummingbirds love it.
ljmacphee
26 Mar 09 at 7:54 pm
Thriving, the summer drought didn’t even phase it. Loved by hummingbirds.
timestocome
9 Sep 09 at 5:49 pm
Appears dead, will likely return to life in spring. Do not trim woody plants after a frost. Wait until new leaves appear before pruning.
timestocome
21 Jan 10 at 11:21 am