"Compacta" is a dwarf form of burning bush, growing 6 to 8 feet tall and wide. Like the speices, leaves emerge in the spring a bright, luminous green, mature to a dullish medium to dark green, and turn a brilliant scarlet to burgundy in the fall. After the leaves drop, the interesting wood is exposed, with corky "wings" along the length of the stems. New wood displays green and brown wood, older wood is a warm grey brown. Little yellow flowers appear May and June, and though not showy, they are charming.
Grow in full sun to part shade (though fall color may be less intense). Not particular to soil type, and not very drought tolerant. Benefits from regular summer watering. combines well with spirea, weigelea, and purple-leaf sand cherries. Avoid shearing as it makes this dense, twiggy shrub even woodier; prune selectively to control size or shape (see Guides). Avoid planting directly against a west or south facing wall...the heat will fry the poor thing.