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Spiraea japonica ‘Firelight’ (Japanese Spirea)

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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.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Spiraea
Common names Spirea, Japanese Spirea
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 36" - 48"
(90cm - 120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Spiraea japonica (Japanese Spirea)
Spiraea tomentosa (Steeplebush)
Spiraea betulifolia (Birchleaf Spirea)
Spiraea splendens (Rose Meadowsweet)
Spiraea alba (White Meadowsweet)
Spiraea x cinerea ‘Grefsheim’ (Garland Spirea)

Recommended Companion Plants

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea ‘Rose Glow’ (Japanese Barberry)
Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ (Coral Bells)
Clematis ‘Polish Spirit’ (Late Large-Flowered Clematis)
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ (Montbretia)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Pure White Flowers for a Touch of Elegance in Your Garden
45 Terrific Shrubs for Stunning Container Gardens
Add a Splash of Color: Perfect Flowering Shrubs for Small Gardens
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
Native Plant Alternatives to Spiraea japonica (Japanese Spirea)
Native Plant Alternatives to Spiraea prunifolia (Bridal Wreath)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Spiraea
Common names Spirea, Japanese Spirea
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 36" - 48"
(90cm - 120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Spiraea (Spirea)
Not sure which Spiraea (Spirea) to pick?
Compare Now

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