Species

Spiraea x bumaldaBumald Spirea

5 other cultivars

shrub

Superstar Spirea

Spiraea x bumalda 'Superstar'

The Story

Plant Bio

Spiraea x bumalda is a hybrid group of compact, deciduous shrubs known for their summer flowers and often colorful foliage. They are tough, reliable, and low-maintenance landscape plants.

'Superstar' is noted for its three-season foliage interest: scarlet-red new growth in spring, which matures to dark green, and then turns a bronze-red in fall. It produces clusters of pink flowers in summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Superstar Spirea provides a dynamic, multi-season display. Its fiery spring foliage, pink summer flowers, and bronze fall color ensure it is a focal point in the landscape from spring through autumn.

Its compact, mounding habit makes it an excellent choice for low hedges, mass plantings, or foundation beds where a low-maintenance, colorful shrub is desired. It is also tolerant of urban pollution.

The flat-topped flower clusters are easily accessible to a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, providing a valuable nectar source during the summer months.

SpeciesSpiraea x bumaldaBumald Spirea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Deciduous shrub

Native To

Cultivated hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun to light shade.
This shrub adapts to most well-drained soils.
Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
Set the plant in the hole so the root ball's top is level with the ground.
Backfill with soil, firm it gently, and water thoroughly.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

For the best foliage color and most prolific flowering, provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune back by about one-third in late winter to maintain a compact shape.
Deadhead spent flowers promptly to promote a second flush of blooms.
Provide consistent water during the first growing season.
Plant in full sun for the most intense foliage colors.

Don't

Do not prune after new growth begins in spring, as this will remove flower buds.
Avoid planting in poorly drained or waterlogged soil.
Don't let the plant dry out completely during extreme heat.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can reduce flowering.

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 low hedge or borderVibrant foundation plantingEasy-care mass planting

Companion Plants

Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro'Nepeta x faassenii 'Walker's Low'Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Weigela florida 'Wine & Roses'Juniperus horizontalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Superstar Spirea questions

What zones can Superstar Spirea grow in?

Superstar 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 Superstar Spirea deer resistant?

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

When does Superstar Spirea bloom?

Superstar 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 Superstar Spirea need full sun?

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

Is Superstar Spirea drought tolerant?

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