Species

Spiraea x bumaldaBumald Spirea

5 other cultivars

shrub RHS Award

Lemon Princess Spirea

Spiraea x bumalda 'Lemon Princess'

The Story

Plant Bio

Spiraea x bumalda is a hybrid group of compact, deciduous shrubs, resulting from a cross between S. japonica and S. albiflora. They are valued for their long bloom time and ease of care.

'Lemon Princess' is distinguished by its vibrant lemon-yellow new foliage that holds its color well through summer, contrasting beautifully with the clusters of pink flowers. It also offers attractive orange-red fall color.

Uses & Benefits:

The primary appeal is the season-long bright yellow foliage, which acts as a constant spot of sunshine in the garden. The delicate pink flowers provide a lovely contrast in early summer, and the plant offers a final burst of coppery-orange fall color.

This compact shrub is an excellent choice for filling gaps in borders, creating low-maintenance mass plantings, or defining a walkway with a low, informal hedge. Its toughness makes it suitable for a wide range of landscape situations.

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

SpeciesSpiraea x bumaldaBumald Spirea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

15-20 years

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Find a location that receives at least 6 hours of sun per day.
This shrub is adaptable to most well-drained soils.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the pot.
Place the plant in the hole, with the root ball top level with soil.
Fill the hole with soil and water deeply.
Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun to achieve the brightest yellow foliage color; in too much shade, the leaves will turn a dull lime-green.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the best foliage color.
Prune annually in late winter for best form and flowering.
Water regularly during its first season.
Deadhead after the main bloom for a tidier look.

Don't

Don't plant in waterlogged soil.
Avoid planting in deep shade, as foliage color will be poor.
Don't prune in late spring or summer, as you'll remove flower buds.
Don't over-fertilize, which can cause leggy growth.

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

Bright foliage accent in mixed bordersColorful low hedge or mass plantingVibrant foundation planting

Companion Plants

Salvia 'Caradonna'Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy'Pennisetum 'Hameln'Perovskia atriplicifolia Weigela 'Wine & Roses'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lemon Princess Spirea questions

What zones can Lemon Princess Spirea grow in?

Lemon Princess 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 Lemon Princess Spirea deer resistant?

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

When does Lemon Princess Spirea bloom?

Lemon Princess 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 Lemon Princess Spirea need full sun?

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

Is Lemon Princess Spirea drought tolerant?

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