Spiraea japonica Firelight (Japanese Spirea)

One of the most popular golden foliage shrubs, Spiraea japonica 'Firelight' (Japanese Spirea) is a bushy deciduous shrub with bright red-orange ovate leaves in spring, maturing to a soft, luminous yellow that is greener in the heart of the plant. The foliage turns vibrant shades of reddish-purple in the fall. In summer, flat sprays of rosy-pink flowers grace the tips of the branches. Perfect for contrasting and brightening the landscape, this spirea cultivar is a wonderful choice for borders and containers. Great as a low hedge too!

• 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, city gardens, rock gardens or containers.
• 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.