Japanese Spirea
Spiraea japonica 'Anthony Waterer'
A compact, colorful shrub that brings non-stop pink blooms and vibrant foliage to small gardens and landscapes. This hardy little powerhouse produces flat-topped clusters of rosy-pink flowers from late spring through summer, while new growth emerges in shades of red and orange. Perfect for low hedges, foundation plantings, or adding reliable color to perennial borders.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
3–8
USDA hardiness
Height
4-6 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Japanese Spirea in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shrub →Zone Map
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Japanese Spirea · Zones 3–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 4 ft. 0 in. - 7 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 3 feet-6 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Double Play® Candy Corn® Bright orange foliage. 'Gold Mound' Showy small pink flowers that appear in late spring 'Lime Mound' Compact in habit boasting showy small pink flowers 'Little Princess'Small pink flower clusters; compact, rounded habit; 2-3 feet tall. CPP cultivar 'Neon Flash'Neon red flowers; up to 3 feet tall and wide; leaves turn burgundy in fall 'Shirobana'Rose, pink and white blooms on each plant; compact habit; reaches 3 feet high and wide., Double Play® Candy Corn®, 'Gold Mound', 'Lime Mound', 'Little Princess', 'Neon Flash', 'Shirobana'. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fruit is a dry, brown follicle.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Follicle.
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Japan and China
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought, Erosion
- +Attracts: Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in., Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 7 ft. 0 in.
- +Wildlife value: attracts butterflies
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -High maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Provides complementary shade tolerance and contrasting foliage texture
Astilbe
Similar moisture requirements and creates beautiful texture contrast with feathery plumes
Heuchera
Low-growing groundcover that doesn't compete and adds colorful foliage year-round
Japanese Painted Fern
Thrives in similar conditions and provides elegant silver foliage contrast
Azalea
Similar soil pH preferences and complementary blooming periods
Daylily
Non-competitive root system and provides summer blooms after spirea's spring display
Lamium
Effective groundcover that suppresses weeds without competing with shallow spirea roots
Camellia
Similar acidic soil preferences and provides structure with different bloom timing
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can cause yellowing and decline
Large Maple Trees
Creates excessive shade and root competition, reducing flowering and vigor
Mint
Aggressive spreading habit can overwhelm and compete with spirea's shallow root system
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites occasionally
Diseases
Fire blight occasionally, powdery mildew in humid conditions