How to prune firebush

Late winter to early spring, once overnight lows reliably stay above 40°F (4°C) and before new growth emerges. Remove up to one-third of total growth, cutting stems just above a healthy node or bud. Selectively thin crowded interior branches to improve airflow. Avoid pruning in early winter, which delays wound healing and flowering.

Annually, with optional light tidying after heavy flowering flushes. Firebush (Hamelia patens) needs pruning to stay compact and bloom heavily — it flowers on new growth, so cutting it back drives a fresh flush of orange-red blooms loved by hummingbirds and butterflies. Skip pruning and it becomes leggy and woody. Cut back by up to one-third using clean, sharp tools.

Remove up to one-third of total growth, cutting stems just above a healthy node or bud. Selectively thin crowded interior branches to improve airflow. Avoid pruning in early winter, which delays wound healing and flowering.