Spirea

Spiraea japonica, Spiraea × vanhouttei, Spiraea cantoniensis

Cultivars: 'Goldflame', 'Little Princess', 'Snowmound'

Spirea is a dependable landscape shrub valued for its compact form, reliable bloom, and adaptability. Depending on type, it may produce soft white spring flowers or pink summer flower clusters that create long-lasting seasonal color. Many modern cultivars also feature colorful foliage in shades of gold, chartreuse, or burgundy, making them useful as both flowering and foliage accents. Spirea works well in foundation plantings, mass plantings, and low hedges where consistent shape and easy care are priorities. Its tidy growth habit and long bloom window make it a staple in residential landscapes.

Plant Characteristics
Genus
Spiraea
Species
Spiraea japonica, Spiraea × vanhouttei, Spiraea cantoniensis
Cultivar
‘Goldflame’, ‘Little Princess’, ‘Snowmound’
Family
Rosaceae
Plant Characteristics
Flowering
Foliage Interest
Pollinator-Friendly
Plant Color
Various
Flower Color
Red, pink, white
Bloom Time
Spring - Summer
Fall Color
Orange, red, yellow, red-purple
Height
2-6'
Width
2-6'
Water Use
Medium
Care Instructions

Spirea performs best in full sun for strongest flowering and compact growth, though it tolerates light shade. It has low to medium water needs once established and is fairly drought tolerant. Water consistently during establishment, then shift to deeper, less frequent watering. Pruning depends on bloom type. Spring-blooming varieties should be pruned after flowering, while summer-blooming types can be cut back in early spring to encourage dense growth and heavier bloom. Winter protection is generally not required in Rocky Mountain climates.