Is firebush same as hummingbird bush?

Firebush and hummingbird bush are two different plants that are sometimes confused with one another due to their similar bright red tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. However, they belong to different plant families and have some distinct differences.

Differences Between Firebush and Hummingbird Bush

Here are the key differences between firebush and hummingbird bush:

Scientific Name

Firebush belongs to the Hamelia genus and its scientific name is Hamelia patens. Hummingbird bush belongs to the Anisacanthus genus and its scientific name is Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii.

Plant Family

Firebush is part of the madder family (Rubiaceae) while hummingbird bush belongs to the acanthus family (Acanthaceae).

Origin

Firebush is native to tropical areas of the Americas while hummingbird bush is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Size and Growth

Firebush grows as a sprawling shrub from 3-8 feet tall. Hummingbird bush is a larger, woody shrub growing up to 8 feet tall and wide.

Leaves

Firebush has oval, bright green leaves while hummingbird bush has long green leaves that are pointed at the tips.

Flowers

Both plants produce long, tubular red-orange flowers that attract hummingbirds. However, firebush blooms throughout the year in tropical climates while hummingbird bush blooms during summer.

Similarities Between Firebush and Hummingbird Bush

While they may not be the exact same plant, firebush and hummingbird bush do share some similarities:

• Both have bright red-orange tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds
• They are both perennial shrubs suited to warm climates
• Require full sun exposure
• Can be pruned to shape
• No serious pest or disease problems
• Tolerate drought once established

Firebush Plant Profile

Here is more detailed information about the firebush plant:

Description

Firebush is a sprawling, vining shrub that can grow 3-8 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide. It has bright green oval-shaped leaves and clusters of long, vivid reddish-orange tubular flowers. The flowers have protruding stamens. It is evergreen in frost-free climates but can die back to the roots in colder zones.

Native Range and Habitat

Firebush is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. It grows in woodland edges, coastal thickets, and scrublands.

Growing Conditions

Firebush thrives in warm, humid environments. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It can tolerate drought and a range of soil types once established. In the U.S., it can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Care and Maintenance

Firebush requires little care when grown in its ideal environment. It benefits from occasional pruning to shape and thin out old wood. It has few pest or disease problems. Plant it in an area protected from frost. In cooler climates, grow it in a container that can be overwintered indoors.

Uses in Landscaping

Firebush is a popular tropical ornamental plant. It is valued for its vivid, non-stop flowers that attract hummingbirds. It works well in tropical gardens, butterfly gardens, and along borders and foundations. It can be pruned into a hedge. Give it room to spread or grow it in a container.

Hummingbird Bush Plant Profile

Here is more information about the hummingbird bush:

Description

Hummingbird bush is an upright, multi-branched woody shrub growing up to 8 feet tall and wide. It has long, bright green leaves and produces spikes of orange-red tubular flowers in summer. The flowers flare open at the end into five pointed lobes.

Native Range and Habitat

Hummingbird bush is native to rocky slopes and dry washes in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. It grows best in dry, well-draining soils.

Growing Conditions

This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and warm temperatures. It can survive hot, dry conditions once established. It is hardy to USDA zones 7-9.

Care and Maintenance

Hummingbird bush needs little watering or pruning to thrive. It may benefit from light pruning while dormant to shape and remove dead wood. Watch for mealybugs and whitefly.

Uses in Landscaping

This tough desert plant adds vibrant color to xeric gardens, borders, and open spaces. Plant it as a specimen shrub or use it massed as a low hedge or screen. Give it space to reach its full size. Group it with other drought-tolerant, hummingbird-friendly plants.

How to Tell the Difference

Here are some quick ways to tell firebush and hummingbird bush apart:

• Check the leaves – firebush has bright green oval leaves while hummingbird bush has long, pointed light green leaves.
• Look at the flowers – firebush flowers have protruding stamens while hummingbird bush flowers have five flared lobes.
• Note the height and form – firebush is a sprawling, vining shrub that reaches up to 8 feet tall while hummingbird bush grows as a woody, upright shrub up to 8 feet tall and wide.
• Consider the native range – firebush is native to tropical Americas while hummingbird bush comes from the southwestern US deserts.

Can You Grow Both in the Same Garden?

While firebush and hummingbird bush have different ideal growing conditions, it may be possible to incorporate both into the same garden in the right climate.

Firebush thrives in humid tropical and subtropical climates and can tolerate some drought once established. Hummingbird bush requires hot, dry conditions like those found in USDA zones 7-9. So they could both work in a garden in a climate like Southern California or Florida with warm temperatures, low humidity, and sandy, fast-draining soils.

Provide the firebush with afternoon shade, regular water, and protection from frost. Give the hummingbird bush full sun exposure and well-drained, lean soil. Allow enough space between the plants for each to reach its mature size. Group them with other plants suited to hot, sunny conditions. This type of garden could provide food and habitat for hummingbirds across multiple seasons.

Ideal Companion Plants

Here are some ideal companion plants for both firebush and hummingbird bush:

Firebush Companions

• Bougainvillea
• Mandevilla
• Hibiscus
• Plumbago
• Mexican sage
• Lantana
• Pentas

Hummingbird Bush Companions

• Agave
• Yucca
• Texas sage
• Penstemon
• Salvia
• Verbena
• Desert willow

Aim for plants with similar light, water, soil, and climate preferences. Combining them creates an attractive hummingbird friendly garden with year-round nectar availability.

Conclusion

In summary, firebush (Hamelia patens) and hummingbird bush (Anisacanthus quadrifidus) are two different plants commonly confused for one another. While both produce red tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds, they have distinct origins, growth habits, and ideal growing conditions. Firebush thrives in the tropics while hummingbird bush is suited to hot, dry regions. With some consideration of their requirements, it is possible to incorporate both in the same garden to provide food for hummingbirds across multiple seasons. But they remain separate and distinct species.