Species

15 other cultivars

shrub

Double Play Artisan Spirea

Spiraea japonica 'Galen'

Same species

Species

15 other cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

27 inches

Width

27 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Medium-lived deciduous shrub

Native To

Japan, China, Korea

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Spiraea japonica is a dense, mounding, deciduous shrub valued for its clusters of summer flowers and often colorful foliage. 'Galen' (Double Play Artisan) offers a 'double play' of rich purple-red new foliage in spring followed by vibrant magenta-pink flower clusters in summer.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This shrub is a workhorse of color, providing beautiful deep purple-red new foliage in spring that contrasts wonderfully with the later magenta flowers. Its compact, mounding habit makes it a tidy and attractive addition to any sunny border.

It is extremely low-maintenance, adaptable to a wide range of soils, and drought-tolerant once established. Its small size makes it suitable for mass plantings, low hedges, or filling gaps in foundation plantings without overwhelming the space.

The flat-topped flower clusters are attractive to a wide variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees, making it a valuable addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in any average, well-drained soil in full to part sun.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the container.
Remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the roots.
Place it in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Backfill with soil, firm it down, and water thoroughly.
Mulch around the plant to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

For the most vibrant foliage color and best flowering, plant in full sun. The new growth color will be less intense in shade.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the best color and flowering.
Prune back hard in early spring to encourage vigorous new growth.
Deadhead spent flowers to promote a second, smaller bloom.
Water regularly during the first season and in periods of drought.

Don't

Do not plant in soggy, poorly drained soil.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which leads to poor flowering and leggy growth.
Don't be afraid to prune it hard; it blooms on new wood.
Refrain from overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful low border or edgingVibrant mass planting on slopesCompact accent in mixed perennial beds

Companion Plants

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' Salvia 'May Night' Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro' Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Double Play Artisan Spirea questions

What zones can Double Play Artisan Spirea grow in?

Double Play Artisan Spirea is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Double Play Artisan Spirea deer resistant?

Yes — Double Play Artisan Spirea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Double Play Artisan Spirea bloom?

Double Play Artisan Spirea typically blooms in late spring through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Double Play Artisan Spirea need full sun?

Double Play Artisan Spirea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Double Play Artisan Spirea drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Double Play Artisan Spirea handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.