ShrubsSpiraea japonica
Japanese Spirea
Japanese spirea is a compact, free-flowering shrub with flat clusters of pink flowers from June to August. The shrub has a neat, rounded form and works perfectly in small gardens, low hedges, or as border edging. Some cultivars feature decorative yellow-green or bronze-tinted foliage.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 60–120 cm
- Spread
- 60–120 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 4–8
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- pink
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Spirea is highly adaptable and grows in almost any soil. Water regularly in the first season; after that the plant is drought-tolerant. A light feed in spring promotes flowering.
Pruning tips
Prune in early spring (March) by cutting all stems back to about 15-20 cm above ground. This encourages compact new growth and abundant flowering. Deadhead spent flower clusters in summer for a second flush.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
ShrubsPotentilla fruticosa
Shrubby Cinquefoil
Shrubby cinquefoil is a tireless bloomer producing an endless stream of buttercup-yellow flowers from June to September. This compact shrub is hardy to the coldest zones and makes virtually no demands on the soil. The fine, compound leaflets give the plant an airy appearance. Ideal for low hedges and borders.
ShrubsBuxus sempervirens
Boxwood
Boxwood is an evergreen shrub with small, glossy dark green leaves that is ideal for topiary and hedging. The plant grows slowly and can live for hundreds of years. Small green-yellow flowers appear in April and May, attracting early bees.