Firebush earns its name two ways – one for its blazing red foliage and flowers, and one for its ability to thrive in the extreme summer heat. The versatile plant has several uses, both in and beyond the garden. Keep reading to learn more about using firebush shrubs in your landscape and in your daily life.
What is Firebush Good For?
Firebush plants are native to the American tropics and subtropics, and are very tolerant of both heat and drought. They flower throughout almost the entire year (provided they’re not exposed to frost) and have bright red foliage in the fall. Because of this, they are very useful in gardens with oppressively hot summers, providing colorful, flashy interest when most other plants would wither. Their red, tubular flowers are also extremely attractive to hummingbirds, making them an obvious choice for hummingbird gardens and easily observable spots near windows and porches. They also grow very well in mass plantings, where they form a sea of bright red leaves in autumn. They can be planted in rows to achieve a dense and beautiful hedge effect as well, although they will require a certain amount of pruning to keep growth in check.
How to Use Firebush Beyond the Garden
While it is primarily prized for its attractiveness in the landscape, there are several other uses for firebush. The small, black, oval berries are completely edible, although they aren’t especially tasty eaten raw. Many gardeners cook them into jellies, jams, and syrups. There’s a long history of using firebush as a medicinal plant, especially in Central America. Extracts from the leaves have been used for centuries for their antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Teas made from leaves, flowers, and stems have been used to treat wounds, burns, insect bites, fever, menstrual cramps, and diarrhea. As always, it’s best to consult with a doctor before self-medicating with this or any plant. Disclaimer: The contents of this article is for educational and gardening purposes only. Before using or ingesting ANY herb or plant for medicinal purposes or otherwise, please consult a physician or a medical herbalist for advice.
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Firebush Container Care: Can You Grow Firebush In A PotA lover of hot weather, firebush is native to tropical regions. In cooler, non-tropical locations, firebush can be grown as an annual or container plant. Click here to learn some care tips for potted firebush plants and see if this plant is for you.
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Firebush Leaf Drop: Reasons For No Leaves On A FirebushFirebush is generally easy to grow if you live in the warm climates of USDA plant hardiness zone 9 through 11, but even this hardy shrub is sometimes beset by problems, including firebush leaf drop. Explore what may be to blame in this article.
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Firebush Watering Guide – Tips For Watering A Firebush ShrubFirebush is practically bullet-proof once established and tends to be relatively drought tolerant, but it does regular irrigation, especially during the early years. Click on the following article and we’ll discuss firebush water requirements.
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Firebush Pruning Guide – Learn How To Prune A FirebushCutting back a firebush needs to be done at the right time in order to preserve the next year's flowers. Learn when to trim a firebush so you can keep it tidy and still enjoy a lushly blooming plant. This article will help get you started.
