Species

Spiraea japonicaJapanese Spirea

15 other cultivars

shrub

Rainbow Fizz Spirea

Spiraea japonica 'Matgold'

Same species

Species

Spiraea japonicaJapanese Spirea

15 other cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Japan, China, Korea

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Japanese Spirea is a tough, adaptable, deciduous shrub known for its mounding habit and clusters of flowers in summer. Many cultivars are grown for their colorful foliage. Rainbow Fizz ('Matgold') is notable for its dynamic foliage. New growth emerges copper, turns to yellow in spring, then bright green in summer before turning coppery-red in fall. The pink flower clusters add to the summer display.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Rainbow Fizz Spirea provides a multi-season display of dynamic foliage color, emerging copper, changing to yellow and green, and finishing coppery-red in fall. The clusters of pink summer flowers are an added bonus, making it a vibrant feature in the landscape.

This is an extremely tough, adaptable, and low-maintenance shrub ideal for mass plantings, foundation schemes, or as a low border. Its compact, mounding habit requires minimal care beyond an annual pruning.

The flat-topped flower clusters are attractive to a variety of pollinators, especially butterflies, providing a good nectar source in early to mid-summer.

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location that receives full sun for best foliage color.
It adapts to most soils but prefers average, well-drained loam.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the container.
Set the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Pro Tip

Prune back hard in late winter (to about 6-8 inches) to encourage vigorous new growth with the best foliage color.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the most intense foliage colors.
Prune annually to maintain a compact shape and promote colorful growth.
Deadhead spent flowers to keep the plant looking tidy.

Don't

Do not plant in deep shade, as the foliage will turn plain green.
Do not let the plant dry out completely during establishment.
Avoid planting in poorly drained, wet soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful accent in mixed bordersLow-maintenance mass plantingFoundation planting with season-long color

Companion Plants

Weigela 'Spilled Wine' Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy' Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' Heuchera 'Palace Purple'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Rainbow Fizz Spirea questions

What zones can Rainbow Fizz Spirea grow in?

Rainbow Fizz 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 Rainbow Fizz Spirea deer resistant?

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

When does Rainbow Fizz Spirea bloom?

Rainbow Fizz 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 Rainbow Fizz Spirea need full sun?

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