Firebush, Hamelia patens, is a wonderful native bush that is blooming right now. It grows in horticultural zones 9-11. It’s a fast growing bush that can grow anywhere from 5-20 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide. It is happy in dry or partially moist soil and has a medium drought tolerance. It is content in any light conditions. But if you are looking for more of the orange/red, tubular flowers place it in the sun. They will have hardier, darker green foliage in shadier areas, but fewer flowers. This bush has little to no salt tolerance. The orange/red tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies and other types of birds as well. This beautiful native will die back in freezes, but will come back in the spring. This low-maintenance, wildlife attracting native shrub will make a lovely addition to any central Florida landscape.