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Firebush Hamelia patens Listed as a nectar source on every butterfly list in circulation, firebush is relatively common as a "volunteer" (fancy name for a weed), where it can be found reaching for the sun from strategic positions at the edges of hammocks, or in open disturbed sites, throughout South Florida, the Caribbean and Tropical America. In landscaping, use it in sunny, well-drained spots, and you will get the maximal amount of flowers. In shady locations, flowering will be reduced. If it's planted in too hot of a location, it may become stressed, and not quite look its best. Because there are few native plants with so much distinctive color, there is strong potential for the "more is better" type of overuse. It is preferable to follow the "less is more" school of thought, in which you position just a few in carefully selected focal points, and use your other native plant combinations as subtle, textured background development. |
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Last updated: 01/22/2008 |