Japanese Spirea (Spiraea Japonica ‘Lisp’ Golden Princess)

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 PRINCESS is a compact cultivar that features golden foliage. It is a dense, upright, deciduous shrub which typically grows in a mound 2-3′ tall and 3-4′ wide. Oval, toothed leaves (to 5″ long) emerge bronze-yellow, but mature to golden yellow. Foliage usually turns attractive shades of red and bronze in fall. Numerous tiny soft pink flowers in flat-topped clusters (corymbs) bloom from late spring to mid-summer. Original cultivar name is ‘Lisp’, but plants are being marketed under the name of GOLDEN PRINCESS.

Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica 'Lisp' GOLDEN PRINCESS)

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.

Japanese Spirea (Spiraea Japonica ‘Lisp’ Golden Princess) 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.

 

Japanese Spirea (Spiraea Japonica ‘Lisp’ Golden Princess) Details

Common name Japanese Spirea
Botanical name Spiraea Japonica 'Lisp' Golden Princess
Plant type Deciduous Shrub
Family Rosaceae
Hardiness zone 4 - 8
Water Medium
Maintenance Low
Flower color Soft Pink
Flowering period May - July
Height 2 - 3 Ft.
Width 3 - 4 Ft.