Hamelia patens, or Firebush, is a beautiful perennial shrub that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds with its tubular red or orange flowers throughout the warm months. It is well-suited to north Florida’s climate. In fact, it is so well-suited that there is now some concern. According to the Florida Native Plant Society, “In recent years plants have been found growing wild near homesites in north Florida — what you plant can escape into the wild if planted beyond the natural range. Please plant responsibly – this plant has the potential to be invasive when used outside of its natural range.”