Anthony Waterer Spirea
Spiraea bumalda 'Anthony Waterer'
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
Average
Lifespan
Medium-lived deciduous shrub
Native To
Hybrid Origin
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Spiraea x bumalda is a hybrid deciduous shrub known for its compact, mounding habit and long blooming season. It blooms on new wood, producing flat-topped clusters of flowers. 'Anthony Waterer' is a classic, time-tested cultivar featuring vibrant carmine-pink flowers in summer. Its new foliage often emerges with a reddish-purple tint, and occasional variegated or all-white shoots can appear, adding a quirky interest.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
- This shrub is adaptable to most well-drained soils.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the plant's container.
- Set the plant in the hole with the crown at soil level.
- Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly.
- Mulch to conserve moisture, but keep it away from the stems.
Pro Tip
For the best floral display and a compact habit, prune the entire shrub back hard in late winter or very early spring.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for the best flower color and density.
- Prune back hard in late winter for a better shape and more flowers.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
- Water during extended dry spells, even though it's drought tolerant.
Don't
- Don't plant in deep shade, which leads to poor flowering and leggy growth.
- Avoid letting the plant get overgrown; regular pruning is key.
- Don't prune in late spring or summer before it blooms.
- Don't worry about the occasional all-white branch; simply prune it out.
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Anthony Waterer Spirea questions
What zones can Anthony Waterer Spirea grow in?
Anthony Waterer 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 Anthony Waterer Spirea deer resistant?
Yes — Anthony Waterer Spirea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Anthony Waterer Spirea bloom?
Anthony Waterer 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 Anthony Waterer Spirea need full sun?
Anthony Waterer Spirea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Anthony Waterer Spirea drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Anthony Waterer Spirea handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Spiraea to compare
Double Play Red Spirea
Spiraea x bumalda 'Double Play Red'
Bumalda Spiraea Mix
Spiraea x bumalda 'Mix'
Hybrid Spirea
Spiraea x hybrida 'Mix'
Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea
Spiraea japonica 'Magic Carpet'
Double Play Doozie Spirea
Spiraea japonica 'Double Play Doozie'
Vanhoutte Spirea
Spiraea x vanhouttei 'Mix'
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