Spiraea japonica 'Candle Light'

• Wildlife: Spiraea 'Candle Light' attracts beneficial wildlife to the garden.
• Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers, making this plant a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly landscapes.
• Deer & Rabbit Resistance: While not completely deer- or rabbit-resistant, Spiraea is generally not a preferred food source for these animals due to its foliage and branching habit.

• Seasonality: Deciduous, shedding its leaves in winter and regrowing in early spring.
• Blooming Season: Flowers from mid to late summer (June to August).
• Winter Interest: Although it loses its leaves in winter, the dried flower heads can add texture and interest to the landscape during the colder months.

Mass plantings, borders, foundation planting, pollinator gardens

• The foliage is bright yellow to golden, emerging in spring and remaining vibrant throughout the growing season.
• The leaves are oval-shaped with finely serrated edges, adding texture and brightness to garden beds.
• The yellow foliage maintains its color throughout summer, fading to shades of orange or copper in the fall.

• 'Candle Light' produces clusters of soft pink, delicate flowers in dense corymbs at the tips of its branches.
• The flowers bloom in profusion in mid to late summer, creating a lovely contrast against the golden-yellow foliage.
• The blooms are attractive to pollinators and last several weeks, adding color to the garden during the heat of summer.

• Plant in early spring or fall to allow the roots to establish before the growing season or winter dormancy.
• Choose well-drained soil and amend it with compost or organic matter if necessary. Spiraea is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy or clay soils, as long as the drainage is adequate.
• Space plants about 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for their mature spread.

Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the shrub and encourage fresh growth. Deadhead spent flowers after blooming to encourage a second, lighter bloom in late summer. Regular pruning helps maintain a compact form and stimulates healthy growth.

• Maintenance: Apply mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature extremes. This also helps conserve water in dry conditions.

• Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish deep roots. Once established, 'Candle Light' is moderately drought-tolerant and only requires occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.
• Avoid overwatering, as Spiraea prefers slightly dry to moderately moist conditions.

• Full sun is ideal for the best foliage color and flower production. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• In hotter climates, it can tolerate some light afternoon shade, but too much shade may result in reduced flower production and less vibrant foliage.

Spiraea is not typically used for cut flowers but can be harvested for casual or cottage-style floral arrangements.

– Best time to harvest: Mid-morning after dew has dried, when flower clusters are fully open

– Harvesting tips:

– Use clean pruners and cut just above a leaf node

– Strip lower foliage to avoid rot in water

– Combine with airy fillers or wildflowers for informal arrangements

– Vase life: Moderate—about 5 days depending on conditions

– Deadheading: Encouraged after blooming to promote a clean appearance and possible light reblooming

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms. If the soil is already fertile, additional fertilization may not be necessary. Organic compost can be added around the base in spring to improve soil health.

• Pests & Diseases: Spiraea 'Candle Light' is relatively pest-free but may occasionally suffer from aphids or powdery mildew in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal issues.
• Cold & Heat Tolerance: Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, this shrub can tolerate both cold winters and hot summers. In colder climates, apply a layer of mulch to protect the roots during the winter months.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Candle Light' is moderately drought-tolerant but will benefit from supplemental watering during dry periods.

Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The showy flowers attract pollinators, contributing to a healthy ecosystem in the garden.

Spiraea 'Candlelight' is a compact deciduous shrub with glowing golden-yellow foliage and soft pink flowers in summer. Its color and texture make it an excellent choice for mixed borders, low hedges, and mass plantings. It pairs well with plants that complement its color or extend seasonal interest.

– Salvia nemorosa – Purple-blue flower spikes contrast beautifully with 'Candlelight's pink blooms and yellow foliage

– Lavandula (Lavender) – Silvery foliage and lavender-purple flowers offer drought tolerance and contrast in texture and form

– Nepeta (Catmint) – A soft, sprawling groundcover with blue flowers that complements the warm tones of the foliage

– Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Deep burgundy or bronze foliage creates a striking contrast with the golden leaves of 'Candlelight'

– Sedum 'Autumn Joy' or 'Maestro' – Adds succulent texture and late-season blooms to extend color into fall

– Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' or 'Zagreb' – Airy texture and bright yellow blooms harmonize with golden foliage

– Echinacea purpurea (Coneflower) – Upright blooms and bold colors provide pollinator appeal and structure

– Boxwood (Buxus) – Offers evergreen structure and formality to pair with the looser growth of Spiraea

– Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' – A graceful grass with variegated foliage that echoes the golden tones

– Allium ‘Millenium’ – Upright stems and late-summer purple globes add unique form and pollinator support