Hamelia patens aka Redhead

Taxonomy

Hamelia patens, also known as firebush, hummingbird bush, scarlet bush, and redhead, is a stunning flowering species belonging to the Rubiaceae family. This large perennial shrub or small tree is native to the American subtropics and tropics, ranging from Florida in the southern United States to Argentina. Its display of orange to red clusters of tubular flowers is a sight to behold, and it blooms from spring to fall. Firebush loves hot weather and thrives in full sun, making it ideal for zones 9 and above. In Belize, it is called Ix Canaan and is known as "Guardian of the Forest". This plant can be drought-tolerant if grown as a perennial and can grow quite tall and wide.

Common names

Redhead, Scarlet Bush, Scarletbush

How to care for Redhead

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Redhead is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Redhead should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Redhead loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Redhead requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Scarlet Bush is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Redhead to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Redhead should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia