Dwarf Mexican Firebush

Dwarf Mexican Firebush (Hamelia patens var. glabra), also known as Compact Firebush or Dwarf Firebush, is a smaller variety of the traditional Mexican Firebush. It is a tropical shrub known for its dense, bushy growth and its vibrant tubular flowers. The flowers are bright orange to red and attract a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and can sometimes have a reddish tint, especially in cooler weather or when exposed to full sun.

 Grow Zone

Dwarf Mexican Firebush thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. In cooler climates, it can be grown as an annual or in containers that can be brought indoors during the winter months.

 Height and Width

- Height: This compact shrub typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm).

- Width: It can spread to about 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) wide, forming a rounded, mounded shape.

 Uses

Dwarf Mexican Firebush is valued for its ornamental beauty and versatility in landscaping:

- Ornamental: Its vibrant flowers and compact size make it ideal for garden beds, borders, and as a focal point in small garden spaces.

- Pollinator Garden: The flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens.

- Containers: It is well-suited for container gardening, where its compact size and bright blooms can be showcased on patios, balconies, or decks.

- Hedges and Borders: Due to its dense growth, it can be used to create low hedges or borders.

- Seasonal Color: In cooler climates, it can be used as a colorful annual in garden beds or containers.

 Native Range

The Dwarf Mexican Firebush is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, particularly Mexico. The plant is well-adapted to warm climates and is often found in open woodlands, thickets, and along roadsides in its native range.

 How to Grow Dwarf Mexican Firebush

1. Planting Time:

   - Plant in spring after the last frost in cooler climates.

   - In warmer regions, it can be planted year-round.

2. Soil Preparation:

   - Dwarf Mexican Firebush prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).

   - Amend heavy clay soils with compost or organic matter to improve drainage.

3. Planting:

   - Space plants about 2 to 3 feet apart to allow for their mature size.

   - If planting in containers, use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the container has drainage holes.

4. Watering:

   - Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.

   - Once established, the plant is fairly drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during dry spells.

   - Avoid overwatering, especially in containers, as this can lead to root rot.

5. Sunlight:

   - Dwarf Mexican Firebush thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

   - It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced.

6. Fertilization:

   - Fertilize in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering.

   - Additional feeding can be done in mid-summer if the plant appears to need a boost.

   - Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

7. Pruning:

   - Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

   - Remove dead or damaged branches as needed.

   - In cooler climates, cut back the plant in late fall before bringing it indoors for winter protection.

8. Winter Care:

   - In zones 9-11, Dwarf Mexican Firebush can remain evergreen and grow year-round.

   - In colder zones, treat it as an annual or overwinter it indoors.

   - If overwintering indoors, place it in a bright, sunny location and reduce watering.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.