Firebush Growing Guide
The Firebush is a woody plant that is native to Central America, South Florida, and the West Indies. The flower which the Firebush produces is very beautiful and unique with a mixture of yellow and red-orange color. This woody shrub can reach a height of 15 ft and will attract both butterflies and hummingbirds.
Several of these plants are grown at our international airport that graces many of our garden areas. The Firebush is a hardy plant and can withstand the heat so if you are looking for a beautiful garden plant with amazing flowers then the Firebush is the plant that will bring that much-needed flavor. There is also a dwarf variety that can be purchased from your garden plant nursery.
How do I care for this garden beauty? I am so happy that you asked, below we will be looking at the care of the Firebush.
Things you need to know
- Planting Location
- Soil Type
- Watering Methods
- Fertilizing Methods
- Firebush garden insect pest
- Disease
- Places to install the Firebush
Planting Location
Firebush is best installed in an area that gets full sun. Remember this plant can and does thrive in the heat. Firebush can be planted in late spring or earlier summer.
Soil Type
The soil type of the Firebush should be well-drain soil, adding organics will help in conditing your soil to meet your Firebush requirements.
Watering Methods
Water your Firebush 3 times per week and ensure that the soil dries out somewhat between watering. Firebush doesn’t like wet feet which can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing Methods
Fertilize your Firebush during the growing season with a fertilizer that will promote flower bloom. Before using fertilizers read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Firebush garden insects pest
This perennial plant has a few unwanted visitors ( garden insect pests ). Treating these listed insect pests will keep your plant growing healthy, here are the names of the critters to keep a lookout for.
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Scales
To keep these garden insect pests under control apply insecticidal soap. Before using chemicals read and follow the label because the label is the law. Also, you can give these homemade remedies a try that has proven to be effective.
Diseases of Firebush
The Firebush shrub is faced with a few issues but with the proper care, these issues can be eliminated. Some of these issues are.
- Powdery Mildew
- Coral spot nectarine canker
- R00t Rot
Root Rot
Overwatering can lead to root rot so ensure that the soil of your Firebush dries out somewhat between watering before giving your plant another drink.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery Mildew is a white substance that resembles powder that forms on the leaves of garden plants. Treatment involves the use of organic fungicide or using a homemade remedy that consists of mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 quart of water. Add this solution to a spray bottle and spray thoroughly.
Also, it is good to provide proper air circulation. When installing your Firebush, give it plenty of room to grow, and do not allow your shrubs to grow too densely remember good air circulation is key.
Coral spot nectria canker
Coral spot nectria canker is caused by a fungus that encourages dieback, growth on bark along discoloration. Stress is one of the causes of this disease, ensure that your Firebush is well watered during summertime to prevent this disease.
Places to install Firebush
This is a garden beauty that can be installed.
- In your garden plant bed
- Alongside a porch
- Near Fences
- Grow in containers to be placed along walkways
- At the entryway of doors
- On your patio
Container grown Firebush
A great way to grow and care for Firebush is with the help of containers. Container gardening has a few advantages which include moving your Firebush to a protective area during the winter months, can be used as a screen plant or as a decorative piece. When growing Firebush from containers ensure that the container is placed in an area that gets lots of sunlight also the soil should be organic-rich soil for proper drainage.
The container should have drain holes to allow the water to drain and a saucer to collect this water. Once the water is collected properly discard or empty the saucer.
Pruning Procedures
Keeping your Firebush pruned is a great way to control the growth and spread of your plant. Your pruner should be sharp to make nice clean cuts. Selective pruning will keep your fire bush in good shape. During the winter months your Firebush can be cut back and the following spring you will have a plant that is full with an abundance of flowers.
The final word
The Firebush shrub is great to add to your garden. This summer beauty can really lite up your garden with the beautiful flowers it produces. I have worked with this perennial shrub and have seen the results they give. Why not reap the rewards of a garden that is bursting with colors by investing in these garden beauties.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
The fire bush is quiet the plant huh! I found lots of valuable information i didnt know and feel like i know several plants that are simular to the fire bush so i can use alot of this information in other places with my garden.
I was wondering why the is no picture of the flower in bloom?
Now i am thinking oabout adding some new plants to my garden. and how to better care for the ones i have
Great read!
scott
Hello so happy to hear from you and I am so glad that I could help. The picture that you see here is the bloom it may not look like much but when you have them in masses growing you will see the real beauty. Hope this help, all the best to you and have a good day.
Hi Norman – thanks for sharing this informative article. Isn’t the firebush a beautiful plant? I am not sure if the variety we grow in the UK is part of the same family. It looks similar but with darker leaves. Here it is known as the Chilean firebush or the Chilean flame flower. I am sure the tips you have given for its care will apply equally here. All the best, Diane
Hello, Daine so happy to meet you. The firebush is pretty amazing. Thanks so much for sharing that bit of information so happy that I could help all the best of success and have a good day.
There’s no doubt about the beauty of this flower the sight of firebush will surely add beauty to any garden, I have been looking forward to having a garden and this just seem like the perfect time. If I should get this firebush flower what kind of fertilizer will be perfect for it?
So happy to hear that you are thinking about adding this to your garden area. A fertilizer that promotes flower bloom makes a great choice just check with your nursery or garden centre for fertilizers of this type. All the best of success to you and have a good day.
Would the Firebush plant grow well in Seattle, WA region?
Thanks for your time.
Una