Hamelia patens ‘Clausa’ – Mexican Fire Bush – Rubiaceae (The Madder Family)

Description Hamelia patens ‘Calusa’, more commonly known as Mexican fire bush or hummingbird bush, is a fast-growing, tropical-looking, broadleaf evergreen shrub with rich, reddish-bronze foliage and masses of tubular reds and orange flowers that are filled with nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies! Plants can bloom for a very long period from spring to fall. The fruits are red and purplish-black and popular with birds. Plants have a compact, rounded habit and can grow 4-8 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide but will be kept smaller in pot culture especially with a little pruning. A native from Florida through South America, it has proven to be reliable in zone 8b, though we are unaware of any attempts yet to grow it in coastal BC so plant in a protected microclimate and mulch heavily in winter or grow in a pot and protect indoors as a houseplant. Plant in sun for best flowering or more shade for attractive foliage. Use as a specimen plant, in the protected border, against a south-facing wall, or in a container. Heat and salt tolerant.