Japanese Spirea (Spiraea Japonica ‘Golden Elf’)

Japanese Spirea

Features and Characteristics

Spiraea japonica, commonly called Japanese spirea, is a dense, upright, mounded, deciduous shrub that typically grows 4-6’ tall with a slightly larger spread. Leaves (to 3” long) are oval and sharply-toothed. Tiny pink flowers in flat-topped clusters (corymbs) cover the foliage from late spring to mid-summer, with sparse and intermittent repeat bloom sometimes occurring. Flowers are attractive to butterflies.

Genus name comes from the Greek word speira meaning wreath in reference to the showy flower clusters seen on most shrubs in the genus.

Specific epithet means of Japan, which is part of its native range.

‘Golden Elf’ is a dwarf, golden-leaved, spirea cultivar that typically grows in a shrubby, spreading mound to only 6-9″ tall and to 24″ wide. It is a deciduous shrub that features small, oval, golden leaves which generally hold respectable gold color into the fall. Tiny pink flowers in small flat-topped clusters (corymbs) appear in late spring with some sporadic rebloom sometimes occurring in summer.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Prefers rich, moist loams. Remove faded flower clusters as practicable (light shearing is an option) to encourage additional bloom. Flowers on new wood, so prune in late winter to early spring if needed. Plants can be aggressive self-seeders, and have escaped gardens and naturalized in many areas of the eastern U.S. Plants will also spread in the garden by suckering.

‘Golden Elf’ generally requires little pruning.

Japanese Spirea (Spiraea Japonica ‘Golden Elf’) Requirements

Hardiness zone	4 - 8
Sun light	Full Sun
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No known serious insect or disease problems. Spireas are generally susceptible to many of the diseases and insects that attack other rose family members, including leaf spot, fire blight, powdery mildew, root rot, aphids, leaf roller and scale.

Uses

Specimen or group for rock gardens. Mass or group in shrub border. Low hedge for path and walkways. Incorporates well into foundation plantings.

Small accent.

Japanese Spirea (Spiraea Japonica ‘Golden Elf’) Details

Common name	Japanese Spirea
Botanical name	Spiraea Japonica 'Golden Elf'
Plant type	Deciduous Shrub
Family	Rosaceae
Hardiness zone	4 - 8
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Pink
Flowering period	May - July
Height	0.50 To 0.75 Feet
Width	1 - 2 Ft.