Light. Grows and flowers best in full sun. In shade it flowers less and gets leggy.
Water. Water regularly until it is established. After that it handles heat and drought well.
Soil and feeding. It grows in any well-drained soil.
Size. Grows to about 3–5 ft, shorter than the native firebush, with smoother leaves and lighter yellow-orange flowers.
Pruning. Its smaller size means less pruning. Trim lightly, since hard or frequent pruning reduces flowering.
Problems to watch. Firebush has no serious pest problems. Scale or mites occasionally need control; spray with Insecticidal Soap.
Good to know. Plants sold as dwarf or 'Compacta' firebush are usually Hamelia patens var. glabra, a Central American form rather than the Florida native. Hummingbirds and butterflies visit the flowers. A freeze can kill it back, but it regrows in spring.
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
