Firebush BAHAMA Plant Hamelia cuprea Yellow Orange Flowers Attract Hummingbirds Starter Size 4 Inch Pot Emeralds TM

Hamelia cuprea or Bahama Firebush is a large growing tropical shrub that, despite the common name is native to Cuba, Haiti and Caymen Islands, but not the Bahama Islands.

It is frequently misrepresented as a plant native Florida, and although it is closely related to the native Hamelia patens. Bahama Firebush is easily distinguished from its native cousin. The flowers are larger, have a more open bell shape vs the slender trumpets of Hamelia patens, and begin as bright yellow and age to orange. It has smaller, elliptical light green leaves with a copper toned blush.

Whether it is more, less or equally as attractive to hummingbirds and other wildlife appear to vary widely. It is most easily grown in a small tree like bush form.

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 is quite drought tolerant. It does best in full sun, but will tolerate the shade, just taking on a more leggy open habit and produces 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.