Plant of the Season: Firebush

Every season, one plant earns the lead position on Lisa's working list. This spring, it's firebush. It has been before, and it will be again.

Why It Earns the Spot

Firebush is a Florida native. It blooms in tubular orange-red clusters from late spring through first frost. It tolerates drought, full sun, and the kind of summer humidity that breaks more delicate plants. It needs almost nothing once established.

Where We Place It

We use firebush at the back of mixed beds where the height (three to six feet) gives a layered profile. We pair it with muhly grass for fall contrast, with coontie for evergreen structure, and with pentas at the front of the bed for blended pollinator color.

The Honest Note

Firebush dies back in a hard freeze. In Jacksonville, that means a clean cutback in late February most years. It returns from the roots quickly. This is a feature, not a flaw.