Hamelia patens
Light: Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade is beneficial in Phoenix, especially near heat-reflecting walls.
Water: Moderate water; irrigate deeply and let the upper few inches of soil dry between waterings. Water more frequently during extreme summer heat and establishment; reduce watering in winter.
Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Improve compacted soil drainage and avoid persistently wet roots.
Mature size: Typically 4–8 feet tall and 3–6 feet wide in Phoenix; potentially larger in frost-protected locations.
Bloom: Late spring through fall, often until frost; flowering may slow during extreme heat or in heavy shade.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in frost-free conditions; semi-evergreen or deciduous in Phoenix winters and may die back to the ground after a freeze.
Growth rate: Fast during warm weather with adequate water.