Japanese Spirea (Spiraea japonica)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Shrub

Japanese Spirea
Spiraea japonica

Japanese Spirea, flowers of the cultivar ‘Neon Flash’
Japanese Spirea, flowers of the cultivar ‘Neon Flash’
 
Features
Clusters of pink flowers in early summer. 
 
Culture
Full sun; moist, well drained soils are best, but tolerates dry sites; tolerates neutral soil pH (highly alkaline soils may lead to chlorosis). 
 
Cultivars
  • 'Gold Mound'- Golden yellow foliage most of the season, autumn color is orange red, pink flowers.
  • 'Little Princess' - 2½ feet tall, deep pink flowers.
  • 'Mertyann' (Dakota Goldcharm®)- 12-15 inches tall, new foliage branze, turning to yellow, pink flowers.
  • 'Neon Flash' - 3 feet tall, new leaves emerge reddish and change to dark green, red flowers.
  • 'Shibori' ('Shirobana') - 2-3 feet tall, white, pink and deep pink flowers all on the same plant.
 
 
Mature Height
4-5 Feet
 
Size
Small
 
 
Mature Width
4-5 Feet
 
Mature Form
Rounded 
 
Native To:
Japan and China 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8 
 
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
 
 
Tolerance
Dry Sites
Wind
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
 
 
Uses
Border
Foundation
Massing
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
Yellow
 
 
Fall Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Pests and Problems

Environmental Damage

Fungal Disease

Herbicide Injury

Insect Damage


Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:

A number of problems are common on this species including: leaf spots, powdery mildew, scale and aphids.
 
Additional Notes
Spiraea japonica is one of the parent plants of Spiraea x bumalda. Some of the cultivars noted here may be found sold as cultivars of both species.

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic