scarlet bush
Hamelia patens
MBG Plant of Merit 2004
USDA zones9 to 10
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Orange-red to red
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Scarlet bush (Hamelia patens) is a shrub for borders, containers, and hedges. It is typically grown as an annual. It is not cold-hardy and will not survive freezing temperatures. This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. Tubular, bright-red flowers open in terminal clusters and attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds. Dark-red berries follow the blooms.
Pairs well with Pineapple sage, Lion's tail, and Shrimp plant.
Native range
South America.