Spirea Japanese

Spiraea japonica

Characteristics

Culture

Spirea Japanese hosts a combination of showy flowers and colorful foliage. Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun, Spirea Japanese can tolerate light shade. Prefers rich, moist loams, but tolerates a wide range of soils. Remove faded flower clusters as practicable (light shearing is an option) to encourage additional bloom. Flowers on new wood, so prune in late winter to early spring if needed. Plants can be aggressive self-seeders, and have escaped gardens and naturalized in many areas of the eastern U.S. Plants will also spread in the garden by suckering.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Spiraea japonica, commonly called Japanese spirea, is a dense, upright, mounded, deciduous shrub that typically grows 4-6’ tall with a slightly larger spread. Leaves (to 3” long) are oval and sharply-toothed. Tiny pink flowers in flat-topped clusters (corymbs) cover the foliage from late spring to mid-summer, with sparse and intermittent repeat bloom sometimes occurring. Flowers are attractive to butterflies.  Genus name comes from the Greek word speira meaning wreath in reference to the showy flower clusters seen on most shrubs in the genus.  Specific epithet means of Japan, which is part of its native range.  Species is uncommonly sold by nurseries because of the availability of numerous cultivars which are considered to be superior landscape plants. Most cultivars grow smaller (2-4′ tall).

Problems

No known serious insect or disease problems. Spireas are generally susceptible to many of the diseases and insects that attack other rose family members, including leaf spot, fire blight, powdery mildew, root rot, aphids, leaf roller and scale.

Garden Uses

Specimen or group for rock gardens. Mass or group in shrub border. Low hedge for path and walkways. Incorporates well into foundation plantings.

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Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder