A. More than likely it is a fire bush. It is also called a hummingbird bush, but its scientific name is Hamelia patens.
This is a great plant for the Galveston area and much of Texas. It was introduced to our area in the early 1990's and is native to the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the Americas.
The fire bush appears to live for our hot summer. Once established it is drought tolerant, even in full sun, and grows well in any type of well-drained soil. This plant can easily grow 30 inches in one year if there is no freeze during the winter. The fire bush can reach a height of 5'-6' in two to three years. This plant has virtually no insect or disease problems if grown outside in full sun. The fire bush also does very well as a container plant.
The fire bush has a very long flowering period - June through our first real cold weather (late October). At this time the leaves start to turn a blood red color and the beautiful red-orange blossoms start turning into bright red berries. The fire bush is one of the lowest maintenance, trouble-free perennials available. The old blossoms drop off naturally, so manicuring the plant is unnecessary although a light trimming encourages constant blooming.
The extra benefits are wonderful. There are many Ruby Throated hummingbirds, bees and butterflies all summer that are drawn to this plant. An added attraction in the late summer and early fall is the little goldfinches which come to feast on the berries.