Other Names:  Spiraea japonica

Description:

A compact version of the popular Froebel spirea that's similar in most other respects; showy rich pink flowers in late spring, foliage emerges with a purple tint, good fall color, a versatile shrub for the garden border

Ornamental Features

Gumball Spirea features showy clusters of hot pink flowers at the ends of the branches from late spring to early summer. It has attractive purple-tipped bluish-green foliage which emerges deep purple in spring. The small serrated pointy leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding deep purple in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Gumball Spirea is a dense 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 is a relatively low maintenance shrub, 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.

Gumball Spirea is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Gumball Spirea will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a medium 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.