Hamelia papillosa Plant Care

Hamelia papillosa (Hamelia papillosa) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Hamelia genus. Hamelia papillosa is native to Jamaica.

Hamelia papillosa displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Hamelia papillosa produces tubular red or orange flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

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

Hamelia papillosa thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Hamelia papillosa tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Hamelia papillosa prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with added compost or organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Hamelia papillosa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hamelia papillosa every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil with added compost or organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hamelia papillosa is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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

Hamelia papillosa can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Hamelia papillosa 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 tree in one year.

Hamelia papillosa is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Hamelia papillosa can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to firebush plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Hamelia papillosa is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, whiteflies. 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.

Hamelia papillosa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Hamelia papillosa is native to Jamaica. In cooler regions, grow Hamelia papillosa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.