PlantFiles: Dwarf Mexican Firebush, Firecracker Shrub, Scarlet Bush, Hummingbird Bush
Hamelia patens 'Compacta'

The term compacta does not refer to the overall size of the plant but rather the amLLWE size of the flowers and foliage. Mine is 4 ft tall and requires pruning to control size. Still a great plant and a great hummer attractant.

This is a very attractive version of the standard firebush and it grows well in Texas. It's the perfect size for a patio or a balcony which faces east, south or west. Hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to it and feed voraciously from it's long tubular blooms. Being an evergreen it adds much interest in winter too. The plant also has medicinal properties.

This is a pleasing dwarf version of the 8 ft Fire Bush in my yard. It won't overpower a butterfly garden like its big brother.

The golden tubular flowers are held up by bright red stems. They are about the same size as the larger version. It is almost everblooming. Butterflies and Hummingbirds find it attractive.

The dark blue seeds are devoured by Mockingbirds and Catbirds.

2008 Addition: As time has passed, my Hamelia patens 'compacta' has grown to about 7 ft. high, and is 6 ft. wide. I prune it, too. It has yellow tubes in the flowers. The leaves are smaller than the species and the flowers look different. It is everblooming. Humminbirds can't resist it.