Light. Full sun gives the most flowers. It grows in partial shade, but blooms less and gets leggier there.
Water. Water regularly until it is established. After that it takes heat and drought well.
Soil and feeding. It grows in any well-drained soil, including South Florida's alkaline soils.
Size. Grows to about 4 ft, with leaves and flowers about half the size of regular firebush.
Pruning. Its compact size means little pruning. Avoid hard or frequent cutting, which reduces flowering.
Problems to watch. Firebush has no serious pest problems. Scale or mites occasionally need control; spray with Insecticidal Soap. Aphids may cluster on new spring growth.
Good to know. 'Firefly' is a compact selection of the Florida native firebush. Hummingbirds and butterflies such as zebra longwings and gulf fritillaries visit the flowers, and songbirds eat the berries. A freeze can kill it back, but it regrows.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Firebush · UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County: A firebush of a different color · UF/IFAS EDIS FPS-237: Hamelia patens, Firebush
