Species

Spiraea japonicaJapanese Spirea

15 other cultivars

shrub

Limemound Spirea

Spiraea japonica 'Monhub'

The Story

Plant Bio

Spiraea japonica is a species of hardy, deciduous shrubs native to Japan, China, and Korea. They are widely cultivated for their attractive foliage and flat-topped clusters of flowers.

Limemound ('Monhub') is a compact, mounding cultivar prized for its dynamic foliage. New growth emerges a coppery-orange, matures to a vibrant lemon-yellow and lime-green in summer, then turns brilliant orange-red in the fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Limemound Spirea is a workhorse shrub that provides a season-long spectacle of color. Its compact, mounding habit and vibrant, changing foliage make it an excellent choice for adding low-maintenance color to borders, foundations, and mass plantings.

Its dense growth habit makes it an effective, informal low hedge or border plant. It is extremely tough and adaptable, tolerating a wide range of soils, urban pollution, and some drought once established.

The clusters of pink flowers that appear in early summer are attractive to butterflies and other pollinating insects, providing a valuable nectar source.

SpeciesSpiraea japonicaJapanese Spirea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30"

Width

42"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

15-20 years

Native To

Cultivated Origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun for best color.
Plant in any average, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the pot.
Remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots.
Place in the hole, backfill with soil, and water well.
Prune back hard in late winter for a compact shape.

Pro Tip

For the best, most vibrant foliage color, plant Limemound Spirea in full, direct sun.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Prune annually in late winter or early spring.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a second, smaller bloom.
Water during extended periods of drought.

Don't

Do not plant in deep shade, as foliage will turn green and growth will be sparse.
Avoid planting in constantly wet or boggy soil.
Don't be afraid to prune it hard; it blooms on new wood.
Avoid shearing into tight geometric shapes, which spoils its natural mounding habit.

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

Vibrant low hedge or border edgingColorful mass planting for groundcoverBright accent in foundation plantings

Companion Plants

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Perovskia atriplicifolia Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam'Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Limemound Spirea questions

What zones can Limemound Spirea grow in?

Limemound 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 Limemound Spirea deer resistant?

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

When does Limemound Spirea bloom?

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

Does Limemound Spirea need full sun?

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

Is Limemound Spirea drought tolerant?

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