Product Description:
The bright, colorful shrub known as firebush—native to Mexico, south Florida, and Central and South America—features vibrant green foliage and brilliant orange-red tubular flowers. A fast-growing plant, it should be planted in late spring or summer and can add several feet a year if grown in the proper conditions. The plant’s mature size will depend on where it is grown. In South Florida it may reach fifteen feet tall, though it can easily be kept to five or eight feet tall. It works well in hedges, mixed borders, or as a stand-alone shrub. Firebush also has a history of medicinal usage—its leaves and stems have been known to treat skin rashes, fungal infections, insect bites, as well as being used for tanning.
Light:
Though firebush can tolerate partial shade, it prefers the warmth of full sunlight, at least six or eight hours a day. It’s believed that the more sunlight the plant gets, the more plentiful its blooms will be.
Soil:
Firebush has the benefit of growing easily in a variety of different soil conditions. That being said, it prefers a mixture that’s on the drier side, and whatever type of soil you plant it in should be especially well-draining, as the plant can be prone to root rot.
Water:
The firebush shrub is very drought-tolerant once it reaches established maturity, but it will need to be watered fairly regularly up until that point. Plan to drench it with water every few weeks in its first few seasons, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Temperature and Humidity:
The firebush shrub loves high heat and is not remotely cold hardy. In fact, the leaves of the firebush shrub will often turn red or purple if exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for a prolonged period of time. Similarly, the plant can easily withstand humid weather, but it is not a necessity for successful growth.
Fertilizer:
Though not imperative to the plant’s overall success, firebush can benefit from the added nutrients fertilizer application can lend. Feed your plant in the spring with an application of fertilizer that’s designed to boost its blossoming potential.
Pruning:
Little maintenance is required for the firebush shrub, but regular trimming during warm weather will help it keep it’s desired size and shape. Additionally, you should cut back any winter damage in the spring in order to ensure any new growth.
Garden tips:
Firebush is one of Florida’s best plants for attracting butterflies and birds. It can be used as a specimen plant or in a border or mass planting. It is relatively tolerant of salt and wind and is a moderately fast grower. Plant in full sun for best flowering or more shade for attractive flowers.
