Little Princess Spirea
Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
27 inches
Width
42 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Medium-lived deciduous shrub
Native To
Japan, China, Korea
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Spiraea japonica is a species of deciduous, mounding shrubs native to Asia, widely cultivated for their attractive foliage and flat-topped clusters of flowers. 'Little Princess' is a popular compact, low-mounding cultivar with delicate mint-green leaves and abundant clusters of small pink flowers. It maintains a neat shape with minimal pruning.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the container.
- Remove the plant and gently tease apart the roots.
- Place the shrub in the hole, with the root ball top level with the soil.
- Backfill with soil, firming it around the plant.
- Water well and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture.
Pro Tip
For the best shape and most prolific blooms, prune the entire shrub back to about 6-8 inches from the ground in late winter.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for the best flowering.
- Deadhead spent flowers promptly to encourage reblooming.
- Prune annually in late winter or early spring.
- Water during dry spells, especially when newly planted.
Don't
- Do not plant in deep shade, as it will become leggy and flower poorly.
- Avoid letting the soil dry out completely for long periods.
- Don't be afraid to prune it hard; it blooms on new wood.
- Avoid planting in poorly drained, boggy soil.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| 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
Little Princess Spirea questions
What zones can Little Princess Spirea grow in?
Little Princess Spirea is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Little Princess Spirea deer resistant?
Yes — Little Princess Spirea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Little Princess Spirea bloom?
Little Princess 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 Little Princess Spirea need full sun?
Little Princess Spirea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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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Grow Little Princess 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.
