Redhead
Hamelia patens
Last reviewed: August 2026

Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
60"–144" H × 48"–96" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
FL
Pollinators
hummingbirds, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA fast-growing, multi-stemmed shrub with large glossy leaves and clusters of tubular orange-red flowers produced almost continuously in warm weather. It can become leggy without periodic pruning.
Wildlife value
Host plant for pluto sphinx moth.
The nearly year-round tubular flowers are a favorite hummingbird and butterfly nectar source, and the foliage hosts pluto sphinx moth caterpillars.
Common questions
- How much sun does Redhead need?
- Redhead grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Redhead bloom?
- Redhead blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- Where is Redhead native?
- Redhead (Hamelia patens) is native to FL, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What butterflies or moths does Redhead host?
- Redhead is a larval host plant for pluto sphinx moth.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Redhead? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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