Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Spiraea japonica

Brand:  First Editions

Description:

This is an exciting smaller, naturally dwarf spirea that requires minimal pruning; new leaves start out scarlet, becoming dark green, then change to a brilliant bronze in fall; pink blossoms cover the shrub all summer long; a sure winner in the landscape

Ornamental Features

Superstar™ Spirea features showy clusters of pink flowers at the ends of the branches from late spring to late summer, which emerge from distinctive purple flower buds. It has attractive dark green deciduous foliage which emerges scarlet in spring. The small serrated pointy leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding coppery-bronze in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Superstar™ Spirea is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Superstar™ Spirea is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Superstar™ Spirea will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.