Spirea shrubs , go to theSpiraeagenus , are deciduous plants known for their graceful , arc branches and clusters of little , fragile heyday that bloom in saltation or summer . aboriginal to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere , include Asia , Europe , and North America , these various bush are prized for their adaptability and ornamental value in gardens . spirea offer a range of size , from compendious dwarfs under 2 foot to larger varieties over 6 feet , making them desirable for borders , hedges , or specimen plantings .
These shrub are valued for their multi - season interest , with vivacious fall foliation in shades of yellow , orange , red , and purple , and attractive wintertime structure provided by their arching branches . Spirea flowers , typically white , pinkish , or red-faced , draw pollinators like bees and butterfly , enhancing garden biodiversity . They thrive in full sun to partial tone and well - drained soil , and their low - sustenance nature cook them ideal for both novice and experient gardener . Many cultivar also have colorful foliage , add up twelvemonth - round visual appeal .
spirea are extremely adaptable , tolerating a smorgasbord of soil types and shape , though they prefer slenderly acidic , well - drain soil . They are drought - tolerant once established and require minimal pruning , though trimming after inflorescence encourages new ontogeny and maintains bod . Whether used in schematic garden for their refined , tidy show or in informal preferences for their naturalistic charm , spirea bring seasonal color , texture , and ecologic welfare to landscapes , making them a timeless selection for diverse garden designs .
Types of Spirea (Spiraea spp.)
Japanese Spirea ( * Spiraea japonica * )
Native to Japan , China , and Korea , the Japanese spirea is one of the most popular species , grow to a stature of 3 to 5 feet with a similar spreading . It feature arch branch covered in modest , oval , serrated leaves that range from green to halcyon - yellow , depending on the cultivar . In former spring to former summer , it create flat - overstep clusters of pinkish , clean , or red flowers that attract pollinator like bees and butterfly stroke . Japanese spirea thrives in full sun to partial shade and well - drained grime , making it ideal for borders , innovation plantings , or as a dispirited hedgerow . Its compact size and coloured leaf make it a various choice for modernistic landscapes .
Bumalda Spirea ( * Spiraea x bumalda * )
A intercrossed betweenSpiraea japonicaandSpiraea albiflora , the bumalda spirea is a heavyset shrub that grows to about 2 to 3 feet marvelous and wide , with a rounded , bushy habit . Its foliage egress with a reddish - bronze tincture , maturate to putting surface , and turns vivacious shades of orangish , red , or purpleness in fall . From late leap to midsummer , it produces dumb , matted - clear clusters of pink or white heyday , adding a cheerful fit of people of color . Bumalda spirea fly high in full sun to partial shade and well - enfeeble soil , and its little size of it makes it arrant for edge , rock gardens , or container plantings . Its multi - season sake and adaptability make it a favourite among gardeners .
Bridal Wreath Spirea ( * Spiraea prunifolia * )
Known for its cascading , arc branches , the bridal coronal spirea is a classic bush that get to about 4 to 6 feet improbable and wide . Native to East Asia , it feature small , oval , sour green leaf that wrick brilliant refinement of chicken , orange , and red in fall . In early spring , before the leaves fully emerge , it produces bunch of modest , doubled snowy peak along its leg , resembling a nuptial wreath , hence its name . This spirea boom in full sun to fond shade and well - drain soil , create it idealistic for foundation garment planting , borders , or as a specimen shrub . Its graceful , fountain - like wont adds a romantic , one-time - fashioned charm to gardens .
Goldflame Spirea ( * Spiraea japonica ‘ Goldflame ’ * )
A vivacious cultivar of the Japanese spiraea , ‘ Goldflame ’ is prized for its take foliage , which emerges bright golden - yellow in bound , matures to chartreuse in summertime , and turn fiery Orange River - red in twilight . get to about 3 to 4 feet marvellous and wide , this bush produces flat - top clusters of deep pinkish flowers in late spring to early summertime , creating a stunning contrast against its colorful leave-taking . ‘ Goldflame ’ expand in full sun to fond refinement and well - drained soil , and its compact size and multi - time of year interest make it perfect for borders , foundation planting , or as an stress in mixed shrub beds . Its sheer leaf adds year - round ocular appeal .
Little Princess Spirea ( * Spiraea japonica ‘ Little Princess ’ * )
A gnome cultivar of the Japanese spiraea , ‘ Little Princess ’ grow to about 2 to 3 feet tall and encompassing , with a summary , rounded habit . Its small , oval leaves are a bright green , turning reddish - bronze in fall , and it produces clustering of easygoing pinkish flower in late spring to early summer . This bush is extremely adaptable , thriving in full sunshine to partial shade and well - drained soil , and its petite sizing makes it idealistic for small gardens , container , or as a low hedging . ‘ Little Princess ’ is valued for its peachy , tidy coming into court and ability to leave seasonal color without overwhelming small spaces , make it a favorite for urban gardens .
Neon Flash Spirea ( * Spiraea japonica ‘ Neon Flash ’ * )
A striking cultivar of the Japanese spirea , ‘ Neon Flash ’ is known for its vibrant , neon - pink flower clustering that flower from late spring to early summertime , creating a bluff , eye - catching display . originate to about 3 to 4 feet magniloquent and wide , this shrub has arching branches and undimmed unripe foliage that rick reddish - purple in fall . ‘ Neon Flash ’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well - drained ground , and its compact sizing and graphic blooms make it perfect for borders , foundation plantings , or as a focal dot in miscellaneous shrub beds . Its intense peak coloration add a lively , modern touch to landscape .
Vanhoutte Spirea ( * Spiraea x vanhouttei * )
A intercrossed betweenSpiraea trilobataandSpiraea cantoniensis , the Vanhoutte spirea is a enceinte , arching bush that grows to about 6 to 8 feet tall and across-the-board , with a graceful , fountain - comparable wont . Its small-scale , oval , dark green leaves turn reddish - purple in crepuscle , and in late spring , it bring forth abundant clump of small , clean flowers along its branches , creating a stunning , cascading effect . This spiraea flourish in full sun to partial shade and well - drained soil , make it ideal for borders , specimen planting , or as a backdrop in mixed shrub beds . Its elegant form and profuse bloom of youth make it a classical choice for traditional gardens .
Magic Carpet Spirea ( * Spiraea japonica ‘ Magic Carpet ’ * )
A dwarf cultivar of the Nipponese spiraea , ‘ Magic Carpet ’ grow to about 1.5 to 2 feet tall and spacious , with a miserable , propagate habit that makes it ideal as a ground cover or edging plant life . Its foliage emerge reddish - bronze in spring , matures to golden - yellow in summertime , and turns torrid cherry-red in fall , providing multi - season interest . In late spring to former summer , it produces clusters of recondite pinkish flowers that counterpoint attractively with its colorful leaf . ‘ Magic Carpet ’ thrives in full sun to partial tincture and well - drained stain , and its compendious size and vibrant leaf make it perfect for John Rock gardens , borders , or container planting .
Snowmound Spirea ( * Spiraea nipponica ‘ Snowmound ’ * )
A cultivar of the Nippon spirea , ‘ Snowmound ’ is a summary shrub that grows to about 3 to 5 understructure tall and broad , with a rounded , bushy wont . Its lowly , oval , gloomy green leaves turn yellow in fall , and in late spring , it produces thick , rounded cluster of pure blanched bloom that resemble snowball , hence its name . This spirea prosper in full Dominicus to fond shade and well - debilitate soil , making it ideal for borders , foundation plantings , or as a low hedging . ‘ Snowmound ’ is evaluate for its keen , goodish visual aspect and ability to provide a lustrous , clean looking at in bound , adding a impertinent , elegant trace to gardens .
doubled diddle Spirea ( * Spiraea japonica ‘ treble turn ’ Series * )
The ‘ Double maneuver ’ series of Nipponese spirea cultivar is known for its vivacious foliage and fertile blossom , offer double the optical impact . Growing to about 2 to 3 feet marvellous and across-the-board , these compact bush boast foliage that ranges from favourable - yellow to reddish - over-embellished , depending on the cultivar , and call on vivid shades in fall . In late leap to early summertime , they bring forth clump of pink , red , or white heyday that pull in pollinators . ‘ Double Play ’ cultivars thrive in full sunlight to partial shade and well - drain stain , and their modest size of it and multi - time of year interest make them perfect for borders , container , or motley shrub bed .
Crispa Spirea ( * Spiraea japonica ‘ Crispa ’ * )
A unique cultivar of the Nipponese spirea , ‘ Crispa ’ is distinguished by its crinkled , serrated leaves that emerge reddish - bronze in spring , matured to green in summer , and turn reddish - purple in downfall . Growing to about 2 to 3 invertebrate foot tall and all-embracing , this shrub produces cluster of soft pink bloom in belated spring to early summertime , add a frail tinge to its textured leaf . ‘ Crispa ’ thrives in full Lord’s Day to partial shade and well - drained grease , and its compact size and typical leaves make it ideal for moulding , rock gardens , or as an emphasis in assorted planting . Its unequaled texture add up ocular sake year - round .
Birchleaf Spirea ( * Spiraea betulifolia * )
Native to East Asia , the birchleaf spirea is a compendious shrub that grows to about 2 to 3 foot grandiloquent and broad , with a rounded , bushy habit . Its little , ellipse leaves resemble those of a birch Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , emerge bright fleeceable in outpouring and turning smart as a whip shades of yellow , orangish , and red in fall . In former spring to former summertime , it produces flat - topped clusters of white bloom that attract pollinators . Birchleaf spirea flourish in full sun to partial tone and well - drain soil , making it idealistic for borders , foundation planting , or as a low-down hedgerow . Its succinct size and vivacious free fall colour make it a standout selection for smaller gardens .
Anthony Waterer Spirea ( Spiraea x bumalda ‘ Anthony Waterer ’ )
A popular cultivar of the bumalda spirea , ‘ Anthony Waterer ’ is a summary shrub that develop to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide , with a rounded , bushy habit . Its leaf emerges cherry-red - bronze in spring , matures to green in summer , and turns vibrant shades of red and purple in fall . From former bound to midsummer , it make flat - topped clusters of deep pink flowers that draw in pollinators , adding a pollyannaish burst of colouring . ‘ Anthony Waterer ’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well - drained soil , making it ideal for borders , rock garden , or container plantings . Its multi - time of year interest group and adaptability make it a front-runner for little spaces .
Limemound Spirea ( Spiraea japonica ‘ Limemound ’ )
A nanus cultivar of the Japanese spirea , ‘ Limemound ’ grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide , with a compact , mounded wont . Its leaf emerges bright lime - commons in bounce , matures to chartreuse in summer , and turns golden - orange in fall , providing year - round visual solicitation . In late spring to early summertime , it produces clusters of soft pinkish flowers that counterpoint attractively with its vivacious leaves . ‘ Limemound ’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well - drained soil , and its diminutive sizing make it perfect for borders , foundation plantings , or as a scummy hedge . Its bright foliage adds a sweet , advanced pinch to landscapes .
Thunberg Spirea ( Spiraea thunbergii )
Native to East Asia , the Thunberg Astilbe japonica is a graceful , arc shrub that rise to about 3 to 5 foot improbable and wide of the mark , with supple , willow - like branches . Its small , narrow , promising immature leaves turn glorious spook of yellow and orange in declivity , and in early spring , it produces clusters of small , white blossom along its offset , creating a delicate , impractical effect . This spirea flourish in full sunlight to partial shade and well - drained filth , making it ideal for borders , specimen planting , or as a backcloth in miscellaneous shrub beds . Its elegant physical body and other blooms add a graceful , seasonal magical spell to gardens .
Firelight Spirea ( Spiraea japonica ‘ Firelight ’ )
A striking cultivar of the Nipponese spirea , ‘ Firelight ’ is know for its fervid foliage , which emerges brilliant red in spring , matures to golden - yellow in summertime , and sour cryptical red in fall . Growing to about 2 to 3 feet tall and extensive , this bush bring forth cluster of mystifying pink flowers in late spring to early summer , create a bold contrast against its colourful leaves . ‘ Firelight ’ thrives in full Dominicus to partial shade and well - enfeeble soil , and its compact size and vivacious foliage make it everlasting for borderline , institution plantings , or as an emphasis in mixed bush bed . Its dramatic colouration chemise lend year - round pursuit .
Glow Girl Spirea ( Spiraea betulifolia ‘ Glow Girl ’ )
A cultivar of the birchleaf spirea , ‘ Glow Girl ’ is a compact shrub that farm to about 2 to 3 foot tall and broad , with a rounded , bushy habit . Its small , oval leaves emerge bright yellow in fountain , suppurate to chartreuse in summertime , and wrench golden - Orange River in fall , providing multi - time of year interest . In previous springtime to other summer , it produces flat - topped bunch of whitened blossom that attract pollinator . ‘ Glow Girl ’ thrives in full sun to fond shade and well - drained filth , making it ideal for borders , foundation plantings , or as a low hedge . Its lustrous foliation and compact size of it make it a standout choice for smaller garden .
Shirobana Spirea ( Spiraea japonica ‘ Shirobana ’ )
A unequaled cultivar of the Nipponese spirea , ‘ Shirobana ’ is severalise by its bicolor flower clump , featuring both pink and white flush on the same plant , make a striking , variegated effect . mature to about 2 to 3 feet marvellous and all-inclusive , this shrub has curve ramification and bright green foliation that turns reddish - bronze in pin . The peak appear from late spring to early summer , supply a playful , whimsical touch to garden . ‘ Shirobana ’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well - enfeeble soil , and its summary size of it get it double-dyed for borders , tilt garden , or container planting . Its dual - colour rosiness sum up visual machination .
Tor Spirea ( Spiraea betulifolia ‘ Tor ’ )
Another cultivar of the birchleaf spirea , ‘ Tor ’ is a compendious shrub that grows to about 2 to 3 feet marvellous and wide , with a rounded , bushy drug abuse . Its modest , oval leaves emerge shiny green in spring , turn lily-livered in surrender , and are complement by directly - crown clustering of whitened flowers in late spring to former summer . ‘ Tor ’ thrives in full sunshine to fond tad and well - debilitate soil , score it idealistic for mete , foundation plantings , or as a low hedge . Its great , tidy appearance and vivacious fall color make it a true selection for smaller gardens , offer seasonal interest without overwhelming the outer space .
Candlelight Spirea ( Spiraea japonica ‘ Candlelight ’ )
A nanus cultivar of the Japanese spiraea , ‘ candle flame ’ grow to about 1.5 to 2 feet tall and all-encompassing , with a summary , mound drug abuse . Its foliage egress shiny sensationalistic in spring , matures to chartreuse in summertime , and turns golden - Orange River in fall , providing year - circular visual appeal . In belated spring to early summer , it produces clusters of soft pinkish flower that contrast attractively with its vibrant leaves . ‘ Candlelight ’ thrive in full Lord’s Day to partial shade and well - drained grunge , and its lilliputian sizing makes it perfect for borders , rock gardens , or container plantings . Its burnished foliage add a cheerful , modern cutaneous senses to landscapes .
Flaming Mound Spirea ( Spiraea japonica ‘ flame Mound ’ )
A compendious cultivar of the Nipponese spirea , ‘ Flaming Mound ’ turn to about 2 to 3 foot grandiloquent and wide , with a mound , bushy habit . Its leaf come forth bright red in spring , matures to golden - yellowness in summertime , and turn impassioned red in free fall , offer spectacular semblance shimmy throughout the seasons . In late spring to early summertime , it raise clusters of deep pinkish bloom that add a bluff contrast to its colourful leaves . ‘ Flaming heap ’ flourish in full sun to fond spook and well - drained grease , make it idealistic for borders , foundation plantings , or as an accent in assorted bush bottom . Its vibrant foliage adds year - round interest .
Nippon Spirea ( Spiraea nipponica )
Native to Japan , the Nippon spirea is a compact shrub that uprise to about 3 to 5 feet tall and wide , with a rounded , shaggy habit . Its small , oval , benighted green farewell turn chicken in fall , and in late spring , it produce dense , rounded clustering of white flowers that attract pollinators . This spirea thrives in full sun to partial shade and well - drained grime , making it ideal for molding , foundation planting , or as a humbled hedgerow . Its refined , tidy visual aspect and profuse flower make it a reliable selection for adding a shiny , blank look to garden in spring , enhancing landscape with its elegant simpleness .
Superstar Spirea ( Spiraea japonica ‘ Superstar ’ )
A compact cultivar of the Japanese Astilbe japonica , ‘ Superstar ’ raise to about 2 to 3 foot tall and wide , with a rounded , bushy wont . Its foliage emerges reddish - bronze in spring , matures to green in summertime , and wrick vivacious shades of red and purple in gloam , offering multi - season stake . In late spring to other summer , it produces cluster of abstruse pinkish flowers that pull pollinator , adding a bold burst of colour . ‘ genius ’ thrives in full sunshine to fond shade and well - drained soil , make it ideal for borders , base plantings , or as a low hedging . Its compact sizing and vivacious colour make it a standout choice for smaller gardens .
Alpina Spirea ( Spiraea japonica ‘ Alpina ’ )
A dwarf cultivar of the Japanese spiraea , ‘ Alpina ’ grow to about 1 to 2 foot tall and wide , with a down in the mouth , spreading riding habit that take a leak it ideal as a groundcover or edge plant . Its small , oval farewell are bright green , turning crimson - bronze in fall , and in late spring to other summer , it produces clump of easygoing pinkish heyday that supply a delicate speck to its thick phase . ‘ Alpina ’ thrives in full Lord’s Day to partial shade and well - drained soil , and its petite size score it perfect for rock gardens , borders , or container planting . Its low - growing wont and seasonal color make it a versatile choice for small space .
