Scarlet Bush Plant Care

Scarlet Bush (Crusea coccinea) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Crusea genus. Scarlet Bush is native to Americas. Scarlet Bush is also known as Firebush, Hamelia patens.

Scarlet Bush displays a compact, mounding shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Scarlet Bush produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Scarlet Bush every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Scarlet Bush thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Scarlet Bush in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Crusea coccinea tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Scarlet Bush prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Moist, well-draining peat-based soil mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Scarlet Bush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Scarlet Bush every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and moist, well-draining peat-based soil mix with added perlite for aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Scarlet Bush is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Scarlet Bush can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Scarlet Bush while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Scarlet Bush is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Scarlet Bush can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to anderson's crusea plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Scarlet Bush is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Scarlet Bush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Scarlet Bush is native to Americas. In cooler regions, grow Scarlet Bush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.