Japanese Spirea
Spiraea japonica 'Double Play Dolly'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
27 inches
Width
27 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
15-20 years
Native To
Japan, China, Korea
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Spiraea japonica is a compact, mounding deciduous shrub known for its durability and long season of interest. It typically features colorful new foliage and flat-topped clusters of small flowers in summer. 'Double Play Dolly' stands out with its vibrant new growth, which emerges in shades of orange and red before maturing to a bright chartreuse. This colorful foliage is complemented by clusters of rich purple-pink flowers.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a location in full sun for best color.
- This shrub is adaptable to most well-drained soils.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant's container.
- Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the soil.
- Backfill the hole, firm the soil, and water thoroughly.
- Mulch around the base to conserve water and prevent weeds.
Pro Tip
For the most vibrant foliage color, plant in full sun. The leaf color will be more greenish in shadier conditions.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune back by about one-third in late winter or early spring.
- Provide full sun for the brightest foliage and best flowering.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage a second flush of flowers.
- Water regularly until the plant is well-established.
Don't
- Do not plant in poorly drained, boggy soil.
- Avoid planting in deep shade, which leads to poor color and flowering.
- Don't be afraid to prune it hard; it blooms on new wood.
- Do not let it dry out completely during hot summer spells.
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
Japanese Spirea questions
What zones can Japanese Spirea grow in?
Japanese 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 Japanese Spirea deer resistant?
Yes — Japanese Spirea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Japanese Spirea bloom?
Japanese Spirea typically blooms in late spring through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Japanese Spirea need full sun?
Japanese Spirea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Japanese Spirea drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Japanese 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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Grow Japanese Spirea 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.
