Floral Fire in the Garden

Fire in the landscape isn't generally something a gardener would wish for, unless it’s of the floral variety. But how are you to choose — and frankly, keep straight — the plants that have the word “fire” in their name?

Let’s take a brief look at three popular “fiery” plants that thrive in Florida gardens.

Firebush

red tubular flowers of firebush

Firebush (Hamelia patens) is a perennial shrub that flowers year-round when not knocked back by frost or freeze. Beloved by birds and butterflies, this plant is heat- and drought-tolerant and can be grown throughout Florida. The flowers come in shades of red and orange and resemble bursting fireworks.

Learn more at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions.


Firecracker plant

Red tubular flowers and fine, needle-like foliage of firecracker plantFirecracker plant (Russelia equisetiformis) also flowers year-round with a show of tubular flowers that are usually red, although yellow- and salmon-colored forms are found. The foliage on this tough plant is particularly interesting. The cascading wiry stems and tiny leaves add a fine texture to the landscape. (Photo by John Tann; all rights reserved.)

Learn more at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions.


Firespike

Spikes of red tubular flowers on firespikeFirespike (Odontonema cuspidatum) also produces clusters of red, tubular flowers, although this mid- to large-sized shrub blooms mostly in the fall. These plants will do best in partial shade. Glossy green leaves add to the visual appeal. O. callistachyum produces lavender to deep magenta flowers in winter and spring.


Learn more at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions.