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🚚 Shipping Update:
We’re now shipping nationwide across the continental U.S. again! 🌱
📦 Please note: Shipping to California remains paused due to agricultural regulations.
🌺 Dwarf Firebush (Hamelia patens ‘Compacta’) — The Pocket-Sized Pollinator Magnet! 🌺
Bring year-round color, butterflies, and hummingbirds to tight spaces. This compact Firebush bursts with fiery orange-red blooms and thrives with minimal fuss—perfect for Florida and warm-weather gardens.
🌿 Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Hamelia patens ‘Compacta’ |
| Plant Type | Evergreen to semi-evergreen flowering shrub (perennial) |
| Sale Size | 3-gallon container (well-rooted, landscape-ready) |
| Mature Size | Pruned: ~3–4 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide • Unpruned: ~4–6+ ft in frost-free zones |
| USDA Zones | 8b–11 (dies back and re-sprouts in 8b–9; evergreen in 10–11) |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade (best flowering in full sun) |
| Cold Hardiness | Top growth may freeze below ~28–30°F; roots usually survive and resprout in spring |
| Growth Habit | Dense, rounded, fast-growing; blooms most of the year in warm climates |
| Spacing | 3–4 ft center-to-center for a continuous hedge; 4–5 ft for stand-alone shrubs |
✨ Why Grow Dwarf Firebush?
- Pollinator powerhouse: Nectar-rich tubular blooms draw hummingbirds and butterflies for months; birds relish the small berries.
- Compact beauty: Color and movement in just a few square feet—ideal for patios, borders, and containers.
- Florida-friendly toughness: Handles heat, sandy soils, and seasonal dry spells once established.
🌼 Flower & Wildlife Details
- Bloom: Clusters of orange-to-red tubes most of the year in warm regions; heaviest in summer.
- Wildlife: A favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies, and fruit-eating birds.
Note: “Dwarf” or “Compacta” refers to smaller-growing selections of Firebush (some also marketed as Hamelia patens var. glabra). Our variety is the compact, landscape-friendly type.
🪴 Container & Indoor Tips
- Containers: Thrives in 5–15-gallon pots; use a well-drained mix and elevate for airflow. Pinch or lightly shear to keep a 2–3 ft mound.
- Indoors/Overwintering: Grow in a bright sunroom or move pots indoors before frost; expect reduced bloom until days lengthen and temperatures rise again.
🎨 Landscape Uses & Companions
Design Roles:
Low hedge, foundation accent, color anchor in butterfly gardens, poolside plantings, or container gardens.
Great Companions We Carry:
- Blue Porterweed (Stachytarpheta) – continuous nectar to tag-team with Firebush
- Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans) – late-season hummingbird magnet
- Yellow Necklace Pod (Sophora tomentosa) – coastal-tough contrast and pollinator value
🔥 Firebush Variety Comparison Guide
| Feature | Dwarf Firebush(Hamelia patens ‘Compacta’) | ‘Calusa’ Firebush(Hamelia patens ‘Calusa’) | Native Large-Leaf Firebush(Hamelia patens — Florida Native Form) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growth Habit | Compact, rounded; ideal for small spaces & containers | Medium-sized, upright; balanced between dwarf & native | Large, open, sprawling; wild form with broad canopy |
| Mature Height × Width | 3–4 ft × 3–4 ft (can reach 5 ft in frost-free zones) | 5–7 ft × 4–6 ft | 8–12 ft × 6–10 ft |
| Leaf Type | Small to medium, glossy dark green | Medium, semi-glossy | Broad matte green leaves, slightly fuzzy texture |
| Flower Color | Bright orange-red tubular clusters | Deep reddish-orange, more vibrant under full sun | Classic fiery orange-red blooms, slightly larger clusters |
| Bloom Season | Nearly year-round in Zones 9–11 | Nearly year-round; strongest from spring–fall | Nearly year-round in South FL; summer–fall in central/north FL |
| Wildlife Value | Excellent for butterflies & hummingbirds | Exceptional pollinator magnet; berries loved by birds | Top-tier wildlife value; supports widest range of native fauna |
| Cold Tolerance | Root-hardy to Zone 8b; top dies back in freezes | Root-hardy to Zone 8b; slightly faster regrowth than dwarf | Root-hardy to Zone 8a; freezes back fully each winter north of Zone 9 |
| Best Landscape Use | Compact borders, butterfly gardens, patio planters | Mid-size foundation plantings, pollinator hedges | Naturalized areas, large borders, habitat restoration |
| Maintenance Needs | Low; light pruning maintains shape | Moderate; responds well to shearing | Low; can be pruned hard if sprawling |
| Container Suitability | Excellent — thrives in 5–15 gal pots | Good — needs larger containers (10–20 gal) | Poor — prefers in-ground planting |
| Landscape Appeal | Best choice for urban gardens, small yards, and patios | Great all-around performer for residential landscapes | Best suited for wildlife gardens, larger rural or restoration sites |
| Origin | Hybrid cultivar selected for compact form | Florida-developed selection (Naples, FL) | True native species found throughout Florida’s wildlands |
Which Firebush Is Right for You?
- Choose ‘Compacta’ (Dwarf) 🌺 if you want a tidy, container-friendly shrub for small gardens or patios that still attracts pollinators.
- Choose ‘Calusa’ 🌞 if you prefer a medium-sized, landscape-balanced variety — ideal for residential gardens that need color without overgrowth.
- Choose Native Large-Leaf Firebush 🦋 if you have space to spare and want to maximize native wildlife support and ecological value.
Best Practices for Planting & Care
Where to Plant
Full sun (6–8+ hrs) provides maximum bloom; tolerates light shade. Prefers well-drained soil and benefits from organic matter.
How to Plant (High & Tight method)
Set the crown slightly above grade on a broad mound; dig a hole only a bit wider than the container and same depth. Backfill firmly to remove air pockets. Mulch 2–3" away from stems.
📺 Watch our planting method video here:
👉 High & Tight Planting Method
Water & Feeding
- Establishment: Water daily for the first week, then 2–3× per week for the next month.
- Long-term: Drought-tolerant once established; mulch helps. Light organic feeding in spring can refresh vigor. Avoid excess nitrogen to maintain heavy flowering.
Pruning
Blooms on new growth—lightly shear a few times per season to encourage dense branching and continuous flowers. After frost dieback in 8b–9, cut back to live wood in spring.
Winter Notes
- Zones 10–11: Often evergreen; flowers nearly year-round.
- Zones 8b–9: Top growth may freeze but roots usually survive—resprouts vigorously in spring. Mulch for protection.
Traditional Uses & Origin Snapshot
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Firebush has long been prized for its beauty, resilience, and wildlife value. Historically, indigenous groups in Central America used Firebush leaves for topical relief, but it’s best celebrated today as a pollinator garden essential.
Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Likely Cause | Organic Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Frost/Freeze Dieback | Normal for Zones 8b–9 | Cut back dead stems in spring; new growth returns quickly |
| Sparse Bloom | Too much shade or nitrogen | Increase sunlight, reduce fertilizer, prune lightly to spark flowering |
| Aphids/Whiteflies | Warm, humid periods | Spray with water or apply insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs |
| Yellowing Leaves | Poor drainage or overwatering | Ensure well-drained soil and proper irrigation |
| Leggy Growth | Low light or missed pruning | Provide full sun and shear lightly throughout the season |
⚠️ Cautions
- Not invasive in Florida.
- Avoid constant soggy soil.
- Use care when selecting cultivars—some "dwarf" varieties may reach 5–6 ft in tropical regions.
🌟 Is This Plant Right For You?
✅ Ideal for:
- Pollinator gardens
- Compact landscapes or patio pots
- Heat-tolerant, low-maintenance color displays
❌ Not ideal for:
- Shady areas
- Cold zones below USDA 8
- Areas with poor drainage
🚚 Shipping & Pickup
- Shipping: 3-gallon size ships UPS Ground on Mondays from Florida.
- Smaller Sizes (4” & 1-gallon): Best shipped to Florida, the Southeast, and Texas. Plants shipped to cooler or drier climates may need recovery time after transit.
- Weather Disclaimer: Buyer discretion is advised during peak heat or cold. We are not responsible for temperature-related transit stress.
Local Pickup (Retail Nursery):
GreenDreams Nursery & Farm
18709 US Hwy. 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610
Tues–Fri 9AM–5PM | Sat 8AM–3PM
Ready to ignite your garden with fiery blooms and nonstop pollinator action?
Order your Dwarf Firebush today and let your landscape come alive!
❓ FAQ
Does Dwarf Firebush really stay small?
Yes—most compact lines remain around 3–4 ft when pruned. In frost-free regions, they can reach 5–6 ft.
Will it survive freezes?
Top growth may die back in colder zones, but roots usually resprout each spring.
Is it good in containers?
Absolutely—ideal in 5–15 gallon pots with bright sun exposure.
What wildlife will I attract?
Expect hummingbirds, butterflies, and songbirds that feed on its berries.
🌿 Beyond the Plant: GreenDreams Services
At GreenDreams, we do more than grow plants — we design, build, and restore ecosystems across Florida.
- 🌳 Onsite consultations & edible landscape design
- 🚜 Installation & project management
- 🚚 Bulk delivery of compost, mulch, biochar, and soil materials
- 🤝 Wholesale & large-scale regenerative solutions
Let our team help you create your own thriving edible paradise — starting with Dwarf Firebush! 🌺
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS:
*Please be advised that our online store selections are NOT available for pickup at our retail location in Spring Hill, Florida.
Inventory for our online store is located at a separate facility and are priced and handled exclusively for packaging & shipping.
Click here to learn more about our Spring Hill, FL retail nursery location, including countless more nursery selections ready for pickup - larger sizes and wider variety of plants not suitable for nationwide delivery.
1. Shipping Stress: Transportation can be stressful for plants, particularly when they spend several days in a confined, dark environment. It’s common for plants to experience leaf drop during this period. Rest assured, most plants typically recover quickly and thrive with minimal aftercare. However, some may need extra attention, love, and care, requiring appropriate watering and exposure to gentle light post-unboxing.
2. Potential Physical Damage: Despite our dedicated efforts to ensure that your plants are securely packaged, they may incur damage during shipping and handling by UPS. Rest assured, our shipping team is committed to packing your selections with utmost care and precision to minimize any potential harm.
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For significant box damage, please reach out to UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
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For minor damages, such as a broken branch or stem, we advise allowing the plant time to recover and regenerate with proper care and attention.
3. Long-Distance Shipping Considerations: Orders shipped over long distances, particularly to the western US, may take 3 - 5 business days to arrive due to various factors, including agricultural inspections in Arizona, California, and Texas. Such extended transit times can be particularly challenging for tender, young plants, affecting their quality due to prolonged confinement.
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We take additional measures during packaging to facilitate a swift recovery of the plants upon unboxing.
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Initial extra care and attention might be required over the first few weeks post-transport.
For further guidance, kindly review our detailed policies on returns and refunds, as well as our comprehensive plant care guide. We appreciate your understanding and patience in nurturing your new plants.
🌿 Important Shipping Information
Please take a moment to review our shipping protocols designed to ensure your plants arrive in optimal condition.
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Countdown Clock: At the top of our online store, you'll notice a countdown clock. This tool helps communicate our weekly shipping schedule, providing clarity on when you can expect your orders to be dispatched.
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Shipping Schedule: Our nursery, located in the heart of Central Florida, ships orders once weekly, every Monday. This is a strategic decision to prevent packages from being stationary over the weekends, ensuring that our plants travel as swiftly as possible across the country, even reaching as far as California.
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Shipping Method: At present, we offer ground shipping rates to meet various needs while maintaining the well-being of our plants during transit.
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Our Dedicated Team: We are a boutique nursery with a passionate team. Our members wear many hats, contributing to shipping, nursery operations, and engaging in valuable local projects. As we blossom and expand, rest assured that enhancing and streamlining our processes remains a priority to serve you better
Terms and Conditions for Purchasing Live Plants
1. Understanding of Shipping Stress
By purchasing live plants from our store, the customer acknowledges that transportation can be stressful for plants. It is common for plants to undergo leaf drop or experience other temporary issues during shipping. However, it is understood that most plants recover quickly with adequate care and attention post-shipping.
2. Awareness of Potential Physical Damage
Customers acknowledge that despite our best efforts in packaging, there may be occurrences of damage during shipping and handling. For substantial damages to the package, customers agree to contact UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
3. Acknowledgement of Long-Distance Shipping Considerations
Customers recognize that shipments, especially those directed to the western US, may be subjected to longer shipping durations of 3-5 business days. Customers agree to provide necessary care to the plants, recognizing that the quality of the plants may be affected due to prolonged shipping times.
4. Agreement with Shipping Information and Schedule
Customers, by making a purchase, have reviewed and agreed upon our shipping protocols and schedules. They acknowledge the presence of a countdown clock on the website and our once-weekly shipping policy every Monday, recognizing the rationale behind avoiding weekend layovers for the plants.
5.Extreme Weather Conditions
Customers acknowledge that our store is not responsible for damage or loss of live plants due to extreme weather conditions during transit and delivery. This includes exposure to cold or freezing temperatures during the winter months and extreme heat during the summer. We provide tracking information when orders are processed every Monday to ensure customers are aware of the delivery schedule. It is the customer's responsibility to prevent packages from being left outside in conditions that may cause damage. Our store does not accept responsibility for any adverse effects caused by weather conditions beyond our control.
6. No Refund Policy
Customers agree that refunds are only processed under exceptional circumstances. Our store will not be held responsible for poor plant choices relative to location suitability, extreme conditions during and/or post-shipment, and improper post-purchase plant care.
7. Responsibility of Care
Upon purchase, customers agree to assume full responsibility for the ongoing care of the plants. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriate watering, exposure to suitable light, and adherence to specific care instructions pertinent to each plant type.
8. Consent
By proceeding with this purchase, customers consent to all the terms and conditions stated above, confirming understanding and agreement to all stipulations mentioned.
These terms and conditions aim to ensure clarity, mutual understanding, and agreement between the seller and the customer to facilitate a smooth transaction and foster a positive customer experience.
