Redhead
Hamelia patens
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Redhead (Hamelia patens) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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A 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.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
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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