Perch Supply
Florida · Shrub

Firebush for birds in Florida

Red-orange tubular flowers most of the year and small black fruit. Native to Florida, where it feeds or shelters 3 backyard bird species.

Scientific name
Hamelia patens
Native status
Native in Florida
Hardiness zones
USDA 8a–11b
What birds get from it
Food and cover
Florida birds supported
3
Nesting birds among them
3

Growing conditions in Florida

Humid subtropical in the north to tropical in the Keys; a wet summer and a dry winter season.

Heat, humidity and summer storms: boxes need drainage holes, ventilation and shade, and nectar spoils fast.

Florida birds that use Firebush

Year-round residents (2)

Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay

Summer breeders (1)

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Nesting season it supports in Florida

Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Firebush:

  • Northern Cardinal — March–September
  • Blue Jay — March–July
  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird — March–July

Native plants to pair with Firebush in Florida

American beautyberry
Callicarpa americana · Shrub

Late-summer purple fruit clusters.

Coral honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens · Vine

Blooms spring through summer.

Saw palmetto
Serenoa repens · Shrub

Fruit and low, protective cover.

Wax myrtle
Morella cerifera · Shrub

Waxy winter berries and dense evergreen cover.

Southern live oak
Quercus virginiana · Tree

Acorns and insect-rich bark.

Flowering dogwood
Cornus florida · Tree

Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.

Frequently asked

Is Firebush native to Florida?

Yes. Firebush (Hamelia patens) is recorded as native in Florida. Florida spans USDA 8a–11b.

What birds does Firebush attract in Florida?

In Florida, Firebush supports 3 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

Does Firebush help nesting birds in Florida?

3 of those birds nest in Florida: Northern Cardinal (March–September), Blue Jay (March–July), Ruby-throated Hummingbird (March–July).

Sources

  1. USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
  2. VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
  3. eBird region overview and bar charts — Florida
  4. USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
  5. Audubon Native Plants Database

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.