The Mexican Firebush is a tropical tree that can bloom all year in the Yucatan. Its Spanish name Sanalotodo translates as cure-all. It has red or orange flowers, is evergreen, and can be seen everywhere along the roads. Its Maya name means guardian of the forest. It can be pruned into a bush or let grow into a tree that is about 6-7 ft tall and is easily transplanted or grown from a cutting,

Care:  It is easy to grow in well-drained soils in full sun to part shade (best flowering occurs in full sun). Needs good drainage and does best in high heat Once it is established, it can get by on the rainfall here in the Yucatan.

Characteristics: attracts song birds,  butterflies, and hummingbirds;  has showy flowers and foliage

Bloom Time: In the tropics, blooms year around. Flowers can be red, orange, and salmon. Red is most common in this area.Medicinal Uses: The leaves are used for all kinds of skin conditions – sores, rashes, itching, cuts, stings, and bites. Boil two handfuls of leaves in one gallon of water and use as a rinse for itching, hives, and other skin irritants. For wasp or bee stings, apply the juice from a heated leaf directly to the skin. Chewing on a leaf is supposed to have cooling properties –  Mmmm

Firecracker Plant

The red tubular flowers on this hardy plant are irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies due to the abundance of yummy nectar. Firecracker plants are excellent for large containers, cascading over walls, at the end of a flower bed, or anywhere there is dead space in the sunny part of the garden. Although they tolerate partial shade, you will increase your buds several-fold if the plant is in full sun. These plants will get about 3 feet high and can become as tall as five feet if not trimmed. If trimming is needed or you want to keep your plant smaller, trim only a small amount at a time: over-trimming can kill! Flowering will continue all year, with an increase in hotter months.

Use top soil or organic peat when planting. The Firecracker plant will need to be fertilized 3-4 times a year with a controlled release system. This plant also requires watering every 24-48 hours to look its best.