Spiraea japonica Anthony Waterer (Japanese Spirea)

Spiraea japonica 'Anthony Waterer' (Japanese Spirea) is a compact, broadly mounded, deciduous shrub with delicate, willowy, reddish-purple leaves in spring, maturing to blue-green as summer progresses. The foliage turns vibrant shades of yellow and reddish-purple in the fall. In late spring to midsummer, domed sprays of deep rosy-pink flowers grace the tips of the branches and contrast well with the unusual bluish foliage. Heat-tolerant, this flowering shrub is a terrific choice for the landscape.

• Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm).
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade as well as a wide range of soil conditions.
• Perfect choice for borders, foundation plantings, cottage gardens, banks and slopes.
• Attracts butterflies but is ignored by deer.
• Virtually pest and disease free.
• Flowers on new wood, so prune in late winter to early spring if needed. If overgrown, can be renovated by cutting back hard immediately after flowering.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or by division in autumn or spring
• Spiraea japonica species is native to Japan. It can be an aggressive self-seeder and spread in the garden by suckering.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.