Japanese Spirea

(Spiraea japonica)

Japanese Spirea (Spiraea japonica)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Spiraea japonica, commonly known as Japanese Spirea, is a deciduous shrub native to temperate regions including China, Korea, and Japan, where it thrives in a variety of habitats such as forest edges, meadows, and riverbanks. It typically reaches 1.2 to almost 2 meters in height and about the same in width, with a rounded, mound-like form. The stems are brown to reddish-brown, round in cross-section, and may be hairy. The leaves are alternate, simple, and typically exhibit a vibrant green color. Japanese Spirea is known for its clusters of rosy-pink flowers that bloom at the tips of the branches in late spring to mid-summer, attracting pollinators and providing a showy display.

This shrub is valued for its ease of maintenance, tolerance of urban conditions, and the extended flowering period which adds long-lasting color to gardens. It is commonly used in border plantings, as a ground cover, or in mass plantings for a dramatic effect. Japanese Spirea requires full sun to part shade and prefers a rich, moist loam, but is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including alkaline soils. It is drought-tolerant once established but does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Spiraea japonica can be invasive outside its native range, particularly in parts of Asia and the Eastern United States, so gardeners should consult local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 1.5-6 feet
  • Width: 1.5-7 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Temperate regions including forest edges, meadows, and riverbanks

Other Names

Common Names: Japanese Meadowsweet , Japanese Spiraea , Fortune Meadowsweet , Japanischer Spierstrauch , Spirée Du Japon , Japanse Spirea , Höstspirea , Praktspirea , Rosenspirea , 일본조팝나무

Scientific Names: Spiraea japonica , Spiraea bumalda , Spiraea ×bumalda , Spiraea albiflora , Spiraea japonica var. albiflora , Spiraea japonica f. albiflora , Spiraea japonica var. japonica , Spiraea callosa , Spiraea bullata , Spiraea japonica var. ovatifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Spiraea japonica L.fil.