Calusa is a variety of Firebush, Hamelia patens var Calusa is a native variety of Firebush along with Hamelia patens var patens - the more well known native Firebush. Calusa differs from its native counterpart in that is generally more compact and has a deeper red color in the leaves. We generally use the number of whorled leaves to help determine if a Firebush is a native variety or not. Hamelia patens var patens exhibits 3 whorled leaves more often than not. Non-natives generally have 4 whorled leaves. It is important to note that Calusa Firebush also generally has 4 whorled leaves. But, it can be distinguished by the dominance of red across the leaves. 
 
With the recent popularity of non-native Firebush in Florida, it is important to replace non-natives with the true Florida natives. Non-natives can hybridize with native Firebushes leading to a potential end to the native varieties. Native Firebushes not only grow better, but they attract a wider variety of pollinators. Some say the native varieties have more nectar than the non-natives. I definitely see a difference in the amount of pollinators on our native Firebushes compared to landscapes where the non-natives have been planted. 
 
Firebush flowers are bright red and orange with a small amount of yellow. Their trumpet shape make them perfect for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. We like to grow native passionvines intermixed with firebush. The passionvine climbs the firebush and hosts the zebra longwing and gulf fritillary butterfly larvae. The flowers of the firebush make a perfect meal for adult butterflies as they search for a suitable spot to lay their eggs. Berries are a source of food for Florida songbirds. We like to give them as a snack to our chickens. 
 
Firebush can reach heights of 10-12 feet tall. Calusa generally won't grow above 10 feet while usually stopping at 6-8 feet. They are affected by frost. Frost damage usually will knock the plant back but not kill it. No need to worry. Firebush grows fast enough to replace any lost heigh. 
 
We love to plant Firebush as a hedge, a border, or specimen plant. 
 
Hosts the pluto spinx moth.
 
Native to Florida only.
Can be grown in full sun or full shade
Prefers dry sandy soils or well draining soils. 
Can be grown in zones 8B-11
 
 
Our Calusa Firebush is only available in 3 gal size at this time. This can make shipping expensive and difficult. Please reach out to us to discuss more shipping options or inquire about local delivery / pickup. We are working on offering Calusa Firebush in smaller sizes to make shipping affordable. 
 
Shipping materials are recycled. Please feel free to compost our shredded paper we use for cushioning. The package may have been reused. Feel free to reuse again, use as mulch, or recycle.
 
Plants are only shipped on Mondays and Tuesdays. This is to avoid plants sitting at a post office or warehouse over a weekend and reducing shipping stress on plants. Plants arrive healthier and quicker when you select priority shipping. Plants ship from Florida. Keep that in mind when deciding to buy and selecting shipping options. 
 
No refunds, exchanges, or returns. By purchasing this plant, you are accepting the risk of having plants mailed to you. Our most common carrier is USPS. Any damaged packages, damaged plants, dead plants or irregular shipping patterns should be claimed through the USPS insurance claims system. All orders come with a standard insurance of up to $100.00. You will need to provide the following for an insurance claim:
Receipt of your order that you can obtain through your order history or email. 
Pictures of the package upon arrival
Pictures of the contents upon arrival