Scarlet bush (Hamelia patens 'Grelmsiz' LIME SIZZLER)
Discover Hamelia patens 'Grelmsiz' LIME SIZZLER, the chartreuse-foliaged Scarlet bush, thriving in heat with red blooms.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Hamelia patens ‘Grelmsiz’ LIME SIZZLER offers a vibrant twist on the traditional scarlet bush, specifically prized for its striking yellow to chartreuse foliage that contrasts beautifully with its tubular red flowers. This cultivar brings tropical flair and consistent color, making it a dynamic choice for summer bedding or containers where high heat is a factor. As a low-maintenance selection, the LIME SIZZLER cultivar maintains a neat, bushy habit whether grown as a perennial in warm climates or as a spectacular annual feature.
This Herbaceous perennial is a magnet for local wildlife, particularly hummingbirds eager to sip nectar from the 1-inch red flowers. While it can reach 4 feet wide and tall as a mature perennial, it remains compact when treated as an annual, offering season-long interest. Gardeners in cooler regions rely on the resilience and brightness of the Scarlet bush to redefine borders and patio spaces during the warmest months.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Rubiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-4 ft
- Spread: 3-4 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: Red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Hamelia patens ‘Grelmsiz’ LIME SIZZLER performs best when planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, or as a permanent planting in Zones 9 and 10. This plant requires average, medium, well-drained soils; excellent drainage is a critical factor for success, whether you are establishing it in a garden border or a container. Place it where it will receive ample bright light, ranging from full sun to partial shade, although best flowering occurs in full sun conditions.
When grown as an annual, maintain medium moisture levels through regular watering, especially during hot spells, as it appreciates consistent hydration. If nurtured as a perennial in southern landscapes, the Scarlet bush exhibits drought tolerance once established, though supplemental water maintains peak performance. Maintenance is typically low; pruning is generally only required to maintain desired size or shape, or to bring it indoors if overwintering containers.
This cultivar thrives tremendously in high heat environments, making it an outstanding performer when other shrubs struggle during mid-summer. If growing in a cooler climate, remember to site it in a dedicated container so it can be easily moved indoors before the first frost to protect the tender tropical nature of the Hamelia patens ‘Grelmsiz’ LIME SIZZLER.
Landscape Uses
The versatility of the Scarlet bush allows it to be featured prominently in various landscape designs. As a perennial, the Hamelia patens ‘Grelmsiz’ LIME SIZZLER is perfectly suited for use in informal hedges, providing a bright, informal border definition. Its compact size also makes it an excellent accent plant, drawing the eye with its contrasting foliage and vivid blooms.
When treated as a seasonal annual, this selection is superb for injecting tropical color into mixed containers alongside trailing annuals or upright companions. It excels in cottage gardens where continuous warm-season blooms are desired. Furthermore, its value in wildlife gardening cannot be overstated; incorporate the LIME SIZZLER into butterfly and bird gardens to support local ecosystems.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Hamelia patens, commonly called scarlet bush or Texas firebush, is native to Southern Florida, Mexico, Central and South America. This cultivar, ‘Grelmsiz,’ features cheerful yellow to chartreuse colored foliage set against terminal clusters of 1-inch long, red, tubular flowers highly attractive to hummingbirds. Mature plants reach up to 4 feet tall and wide with a well-branched, bushy habit, though they achieve only about 2 feet tall when grown as an annual; it is frequently marketed under the trade name LIME SIZZLER.
Tolerances
- Thrives in high heat
Potential Problems
This plant generally enjoys a reputation for having no serious insect or disease problems, which contributes to its low maintenance requirement. Gardeners should focus primarily on ensuring proper soil preparation to avoid root issues. Poor drainage, especially in heavy clay soils, is the number one cultural problem that can stress this otherwise robust selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Scarlet bush suitable for?
Hamelia patens ‘Grelmsiz’ LIME SIZZLER is winter hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 10 when grown as a perennial.
How large does Hamelia patens ‘Grelmsiz’ LIME SIZZLER grow?
As a perennial, it typically reaches 3 to 4 feet high and spreads 3 to 4 feet wide, though it can grow much taller if left unchecked in its native range. When grown as an annual, expect it to reach closer to 2 feet tall.
What sun exposure does Scarlet bush need?
This plant requires full sun to part shade for best performance; optimal flowering and vibrant foliage color are achieved with maximal sun exposure.
When does Hamelia patens ‘Grelmsiz’ LIME SIZZLER bloom?
The tubular red flowers appear reliably from June through September, providing continuous color late into the growing season.
Conclusion
The Hamelia patens ‘Grelmsiz’ LIME SIZZLER rewards gardeners with brilliant, heat-tolerant structure and eye-catching chartreuse foliage paired with classic red blooms. Its low maintenance needs make the Scarlet bush an easy choice for summer drama in borders or containers. Before planting, confirm your local USDA hardiness zone or plan to treat it as a cherished warm-season annual.
Wildlife Benefits
The tubular, red flowers of the Scarlet bush are specifically adapted for pollination by hummingbirds. These high-nectar flowers provide a crucial mid-summer refueling station for these fast-moving birds, making it an essential addition to any dedicated hummingbird garden plan. Additionally, the small dark fruits that follow the blooms are enjoyed by various local bird species.
Companion Planting
Given the preference of Hamelia patens ‘Grelmsiz’ LIME SIZZLER for heat and well-drained conditions, select companion plants sharing similar cultural needs for a unified look. Pair it with heat-loving annuals like Zinnias, Lantana, or Calibrachoa in containers to enhance its visual impact. In perennial borders, consider drought-tolerant, sun-loving perennials such as ornamental grasses or Sedum, which appreciate the same intense sunlight and lower water requirements once established.
