Spiraea japonica 'Firelight'
Japanese spiraea, Japanese meadowsweet
- Height × spread
- 0.8m × 1.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
Availability
Generally available in late Spring & early Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a small shrubby plant that has several seasons of interest. It fascinates in spring with its red to bronze young foliage. The colour is particularly intense on the young growth at the top of the plant, and with its good sized leaves and dense mounded habit, is striking, particularly when associated with spring bulbs. During summer the foliage quietens down but there is still plenty of reddish green tinting to catch the eye. In autumn, prior to leaf fall there are purple red and bronze tints. Additionally this colourful plant has orange young stems. It flowers in summer when domed shaped clusters of warm pink flowers add interest during July and some of August.
- Flower colour
- Pink
- Foliage colour
- Green, Red
- Spring foliage
- Red-copper
- Autumn foliage
- Red-purple
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.8m
- Spread
- 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Structural, Bee attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - early · Planting
Prune hard to the base
Prune back to within 30cm to 45cm of the plant base so that the year's growth will begin from this low framework. If you want the plant to grow larger, this need only be done every few years.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Found in
More Spiraea
Spiraea
Spiraea 'Arguta'
Bridal veil, Foam of May, Bridewort, Bridal wreath spiraea
Spiraea 'Tracy'
Spiraea japonica 'Anthony Waterer'
Japanese spiraea, Japanese meadowsweet
Spiraea japonica 'Genpei'
Japanese spiraea, Japanese meadowsweet
Spiraea japonica 'Gold Mound'
Japanese spiraea, Japanese meadowsweet
Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame'
Japanese spiraea, Japanese meadowsweet
Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess'
Japanese spiraea, Japanese meadowsweet