Double Play Candy Corn Spiraea
Spiraea japonica 'Double Play Candy Corn'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
24 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate, prefers moist but well-drained soil
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
10+ years
Native To
Japan, Korea, China
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Spiraea japonica is a dense, upright, mounded, deciduous shrub with oval, sharply-toothed, green leaves. It produces numerous small pink to purplish flowers in flat-topped clusters in late spring to mid-summer. This cultivar is noted for its showy foliage. New growth emerges candy apple red and matures to pineapple yellow. The foliage color is best in full sun. Clusters of dark pink flowers appear in late spring.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.
- Tuck roots or cuttings into soil and water thoroughly after planting.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
- Space plants 24-36 inches apart to allow growth and air circulation.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a balanced shrub fertilizer in early spring.
Pro Tip
Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and promote new growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune to shape and remove dead or damaged branches ✂️
- Apply mulch annually to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't fertilize late in the season to avoid encouraging late growth ❌
- Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall or winter ❌
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
Double Play Candy Corn Spiraea questions
What zones can Double Play Candy Corn Spiraea grow in?
Double Play Candy Corn Spiraea 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 Double Play Candy Corn Spiraea deer resistant?
Yes — Double Play Candy Corn Spiraea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Double Play Candy Corn Spiraea bloom?
Double Play Candy Corn Spiraea typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Double Play Candy Corn Spiraea need full sun?
Double Play Candy Corn Spiraea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Double Play Candy Corn Spiraea drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Double Play Candy Corn Spiraea 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'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Double Play Candy Corn Spiraea with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
