Spiraea Japonica

Spiraea Japonica | Japanese Spirea

Spiraea Japonica (Japanese Spirea) is a deciduous shrub native to China and Japan where it can be found growing on woodland borders, slopes, rocky hillsides, and riverbanks. It is a fast-growing shrub that is well known and desired across North American gardens.

It is a mounded shrub creating a dense network of wiry stems. Sharply toothed and ovate in shape, the foliage of this shrub is lush and bright green. In the spring, flowers emerge in colors of white, light pink and bright pink. It flowers profusely, with flower clusters almost completely covering the foliage, creating gentle, pinky cushion-like mounds in the garden. Pollinators are particularly attracted to this impressive flowering.

Plant Details - Spiraea Japonica (Japanese Spirea)

Family: Rosaceae

Hardiness Zones: 4 - 9

Light Requirement: Full sun for best flowering and foliage color

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 2 - 6 ft

Spread: 2 - 5 ft

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: Late spring to summer

Flower Color: Pink, rose, red, or white, depending on the variety

Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Plant as a border plant or as a part of a low rising hedge. Choose a location in which it has room to expand and do not plant with slow growing shrubs as it will overtake them with its fast growth habit. It also contributes beautifully to a mixed hedge but take note to prune regularly to keep the plant tidy and contained.

In the eastern United States, Spiraea Japonica easily escapes garden settings and naturalizes in a variety of ecosystems, and outcompetes native plants. It is listed as invasive in many states of the southeast such as Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Spiraea Japonica

It is easily grown in full sun with average soils and prefers alkaline soils that are well-drained. However, some light shade will be tolerated. Since this shrub only flowers on new growth, it is important to prune in late winter to ensure ample new growth for next season’s flowering. It grows quickly and can be aggressive. It is a suckering and easily self-seeds, and will spread to form dense thickets if not pruned or controlled.

It can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases like mildew, leaf spot, and aphids, which are also common ailments of other Rose family members. While they can be susceptible to some pest and disease, they are robust and relatively easy to grow.

Noteworthy Characteristics of Spiraea Japonica

Attractive to pollinators, profuse flowering, showy blooms

This deciduous and easy to grow shrub will add a soft and sort of cozy element to your garden with it gentle mounding, cushion-like appearance. Shop for Spiraea Japonica shrubs online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Summer

Bloom/Foliage Color

Pink

Height at Maturity

Under 10 Feet

Care

Spiraea japonica thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells. Prune after blooming to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Fertilize in early spring to promote robust flowering and healthy foliage.

Plant Reproduction

Spiraea Japonica spreads by suckers and seeds, forming dense clusters

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Shrubs

Bare root shrubs are a budget-friendly and efficient way to plant during the cooler months when they’re dormant. Before planting, soak the roots in water for 3–6 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a site with the appropriate light exposure for the species—most flowering shrubs prefer full to partial sun. Dig a hole wide enough to spread out the roots and deep enough so the crown (where the roots meet the stems) sits level with the soil surface.

Mound a bit of soil at the bottom of the hole, spread the roots over it, and backfill with native soil while gently firming it to remove air pockets. Water deeply after planting to settle the roots. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the first growing season to encourage healthy establishment.

Mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune lightly to remove any broken branches and to shape after the first flush of growth. With minimal care, bare root shrubs will leaf out beautifully and grow into reliable, long-term landscape anchors.

We carefully package every plant to retain superior moisture during transit. Once prepared, orders ship the same day through UPS or USPS, with typical delivery in 2–4 days.

Returns are not accepted, but plants are reshipped if extended warranty insurance was purchased at checkout. Otherwise, all plants include a standard 5-day warranty after delivery.