Perennial – Dwarf Firebush

Dwarf Firebush 

Botanical name: hamelia patens ‘compacta’

Beginner friendly?: yes 

Average size at maturity: 3 ft in height and in spread 

Hardy zone: zones 8-10

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in 1-3 growing seasons 

Foliage color: green 

Flower color: red/orange/yellow

Bloom time:  summer, fall 

Pruning instructions: prune in the early spring to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings during the spring or summer months 

Landscape use: accent plant, mass planting, container plant, pollinator garden 

Special features: attracts pollinators, behaves more like a perennial than an evergreen shrub in zone 8 climates 

Light needs: 4-6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: keep soil moist but not soggy 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring 

Best time to plant: spring 

Best type of soil: loam 

Companion plants: lantana, coreopsis, salvia

Toxicity level: mildly toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no