Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: 2023 Year of the Spirea
Spirea, years ago I really didn’t like them. They seemed a bit boring and I sort of ignored them. Then along came Double Play ‘Candy Corn’.
It’s changing colors throughout the seasons are something to behold.
The National Garden Bureau has named their shrub of the year for 2023, it’s Spirea! With nearly 100 unique species, NGB reports that this hardy group of plants boasts a wide range of colorful foliage ranging from blue to yellow, red, to orange, and everything in between. They truly are America’s heartland landscape plant.
Hardy from zones 4 to 8, so far mine have tolerated this ridiculous winter. Although the rabbits have been munching on them as well as every other shrub with exposed wood.
There are 5 varieties that are the most popular including Japanese spirea, which is the ‘Candy Corn’ and Birchleaf, Korean, Bumalda and Bridal Wreath; each having their own special distinction.
Growth habits can range from 2 ft tall and wide to 7 or 8 ft tall and wide. These plants are fast growing and make quick fill-ins. They do best in full sun, tolerate poor soil, pollution, drought, heat and extreme cold. However, they would prefer well-drained soil.
Double Play ‘Doozie’ makes a great landscape statement with its constant red blooms that show all summer long. Height: 2-3’. Width: 2-3’. (Other Double Play varieties are Big Bank, Artisan, Candy Corn, Gold, and Red)
Spirea are recommended for erosion control and also make great companions when grouped with other shrubs, perennials and small trees. Their flowers can be used in bouquets.
Lots more information from Monrovia on Spirea including what to grow them with!
Wow, there really is much more to spirea! For a sweet little space take a look at ‘Little Princess’.
It grows to just 2 ft tall and 3 ft wide and features showy flat-topped clusters of bright pink flowers that bloom in early summer.