Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Rubiaceae
Botanical Name
HAMELIA patens 'Compacta'
Plant Common Name
Dwarf Hummingbird Bush, Firebush, Firecracker Shrub
General Description
In its native environments of South Florida, the Caribbean and Tropical Americas, this sun-loving evergreen produces clusters of red floral tubes with yellow-orange centers, on reddish-purple stems from spring through early fall. Its leaves are broad and shiny and produces bluish-black berries after a long bloom season. Butterflies sometimes enjoy the floral nectar, and songbirds relish the juicy fruits.
This cultivar prefers full sun but is somewhat shade tolerant and will adequately grow in any soil provided that there is ample drainage. Once established, they are drought, heat and humidity tolerant. The cultivar 'Compacta' makes a nice, manageable mounding shrub in the landscape especially in smaller urban gardens dedicated to attracting wildlife. It can also be treated as an annual in colder climates.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
12 - 4
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 11
-
Sunset Zone
H1, H2
-
Plant Type
Shrub
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Height
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
-
Width
5'-8' / 1.5m - 2.4m
-
Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall
-
Native To
Southeastern United States, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central America, South America
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Loam, Sand
-
Tolerances
Wet Site, Pollution, Drought, Salt, Soil Compaction
-
Growth Rate
Fast
-
Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
-
Habit
Oval/Rounded
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Special Characteristics
-
Bark Texture
Smooth
-
Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Feature Plant, Hedges, Mixed Border, Tropical
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Attracts
Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies
-
Self-Sowing
Yes
