Firebush Plant Bahama Yellow Orange Flowers Attract Hummingbirds Starter Sz 4

Hamelia cuprea or Bahama Firebush is a large growing tropical shrub that, despite the common name, is native to Cuba, Haiti, and the Cayman Islands, but not the Bahamas. It is frequently misrepresented as native to Florida. Bahama Firebush is easily distinguished from its native cousin, Hamelia patens. The flowers are larger, have a more open bell shape, and begin as bright yellow and transition to burnished orange. It has smaller, elliptical light green leaves with a copper-toned blush.

Opinions on whether it is more, less, or equally as attractive to hummingbirds and other wildlife appear to vary widely, suggesting its usefulness for attracting pollinators may be location and species-specific.

Bahama Firebush will grow in a wide range of soil conditions and does not require much care. It needs irrigation until it becomes established, but then it is quite drought-tolerant. It does best in full sun, but will tolerate the shade, just taking on a more leggy, open habit, and producing fewer blooms. It makes a great barrier border, background or screen plantings in mass, or is a great stand-alone accent, or makes a knock-out patio tree, and attracts wildlife.