Japanese Spirea

Spiraea japonica

Japanese Spirea is a lovely shrub with bright pink flowers that bloom in the summer. It has green leaves that turn beautiful colors in the fall, making it a great addition to gardens.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Japanese Spirea is a mounding deciduous shrub with small, oval, green leaves. It produces flattened clusters of tiny pink or white flowers from late spring to summer, giving it a vibrant, compact appearance. Its dense form makes it visually distinct.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusSpiraea

Japanese Spirea

Interesting facts

Gardeners often 'deadhead' spent blooms, encouraging even more flowers to appear later!

Its name, Spiraea, means 'wreath' in Greek, perhaps for its lovely flower clusters!

Many different types exist, with flowers ranging from bright pink to pure white.

The small, light seeds can travel on the wind, helping new plants grow far away!

Special abilities

Japanese Spirea can grow rapidly, establishing itself quickly in new areas to compete for sunlight.

This plant has a high tolerance for full sun, allowing it to thrive where other plants might struggle.

Some varieties can rebloom after pruning, extending their beautiful flowering season for longer.

Japanese Spirea can withstand periods of drought once established, helping it survive dry spells.

Measurements & details

Height: 60-180 cm
Spread: 60-180 cm
Flower Size: 0.4-0.6 cm
Bloom Season: Late spring to mid-summer
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Bees collect nectar and pollen from its blooms.

pollinates

Monarch butterfly

Danaus plexippus

Butterflies are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers.

eaten by

White-tailed deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Deer may browse on its leaves and young stems.

shelters

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

Small birds seek shelter in its dense branches.

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Flowering

These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!

Shrub

These amazing plants are like nature's bushy sculptures, having woody stems that branch out from the ground to create a lovely, full shape.

Summer Blooming

Enjoy the sunny days with these vibrant plants that show off their stunning flowers all through the warmest months, adding color to the long summer days.

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Fall Color

Witness the breathtaking transformation as leaves change from green to brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold before they fall. It's a spectacular natural art show!

Pollinator Magnet

Discover plants that are irresistible to our pollinator friends! These beauties are super attractive to bees, butterflies, and other helpful creatures, creating a buzzing hub of activity.