Spiraea japonica, commonly called Japanese spirea, is a dense, upright, mounded, deciduous shrub that typically grows 4-6’ tall with a slightly larger spread. Leaves (up to 3” long) are oval and sharply toothed. Tiny pink flowers in flat-topped clusters (corymbs) cover the foliage from late spring to mid-summer, with sparse and intermittent repeat blooms sometimes occurring. Flowers are attractive to butterflies.
Genus's name comes from the Greek word spiral meaning wreath about the showy flower clusters seen on most shrubs in the genus.
Specific epithet means Japan, which is part of its native range.
'Little Princess' is an upright, rounded, deciduous shrub that typically forms a compact mound to 30" tall. Features numerous pink flowers in flat-topped clusters (corymbs) in late spring to mid-summer. Attractive to butterflies. Oval, sharply toothed, mint green leaves take on attractive red hues in autumn.
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Hardiness | 4,5,6,7,8 |
| Heat Zones | 4,5,6,7,8,9 |
| Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Rosacea |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring, Early Spring, Mid Spring, Late Spring |
| Height | 1' - 2' |
| Spread | 2' - 3' |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Soil Type | Acid |
| Characteristics | Showy, Attracts Butterflies, Deer Tolerant |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden |
| Planting Place | Beds and Borders, Edging |