Spiraea japonica Empire™ Ice Dragon:

• Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators with its nectar-rich blooms.
• Wildlife: Deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with wildlife pressure.

• Season: Spring through Fall
• Flowering Season: Late spring to mid-summer (May to July)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9

• Accent or Focal Plant: Its unique foliage color and pink flower clusters make it a standout in garden beds.
  
• Low Hedges or Edging: Compact growth and bright tones work well for defining borders or pathways.
  
• Foundation Planting: Adds a colorful, textural layer near buildings without overwhelming the space.
  
• Mass Planting: Creates a striking visual impact when used in groupings for color continuity.
  
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and butterflies with its summer blooms.
  
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Provides seasonal interest and color contrast with darker or evergreen plants.
  
• Small-Space Landscaping: Fits well in tight garden areas due to its manageable size and tidy habit.
  
• Rock or Cottage Gardens: Blends beautifully with informal, flowering plant combinations.
  
  

• Color: Bright green foliage that transitions to a golden hue in the fall, adding multi-seasonal interest.
• Shape: Ovate leaves with finely serrated edges.
• Size: Leaves are 1-2 inches long, creating a dense, full foliage canopy.

• Color: Crisp, pure white flowers form in flat-topped clusters.
• Bloom Time: Blooms from late spring through mid-summer, with abundant clusters of small white flowers.
• Size of Blooms: Flower clusters are 3-4 inches wide, creating a soft, lacy appearance over the foliage.

• Best Time to Plant: Early spring or fall, allowing the shrub to establish roots before extreme weather conditions.

Planting Instructions:

• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for mature growth and air circulation.
• Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface.

• Pruning Needs: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and maintain a neat, rounded shape. Light pruning after flowering can encourage a second, smaller flush of blooms.
• Winter Care: Empire™ Ice Dragon is cold-hardy and does not require special winter care. Its dense branches and bright foliage provide interest throughout the year.

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering during dry periods.
• Drought Tolerance: Performs best with consistent moisture but is moderately drought-tolerant once established.

Full sun to partial shade. It blooms and grows best in full sun (6+ hours of sunlight per day), but it can tolerate some light shade.

• When to Harvest: Flowers can be harvested when fully open for fresh floral arrangements, or the bright golden fall leaves can be collected for dried arrangements.
• How to Harvest: Use sharp pruning shears to cut stems with flower clusters or colorful fall branches for decorative use.

• When to Fertilize: Fertilize in early spring before new growth begins to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
• Type of Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to support plant health and improve bloom production.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Pests: Generally pest-free but occasionally may attract aphids or spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
• Disease: Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. This variety is resistant to most common spirea diseases.

• Spiraea japonica Empire™ Ice Dragon is pollinated by bees and butterflies. Its white flower clusters are rich in nectar, making them an excellent food source for pollinators during late spring and summer.

Berberis thunbergii 'Golden Rocket' – adds upright structure and bright foliage contrast.

Salvia nemorosa – spiky purple flowers highlight spirea’s rounded form and soft blooms.

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' – flowing habit and lavender-blue flowers offer texture and color balance.

Heuchera 'Obsidian' – dark, bold foliage makes spirea’s foliage and flowers pop.

Carex oshimensis ‘Everest’ – ornamental grass with variegated blades complements the fine foliage.

Coreopsis 'Moonbeam' – yellow, daisy-like flowers echo the warmth in spirea's leaf tones.

Echinacea purpurea – adds height and late-season pollinator support.

Pennisetum alopecuroides – soft, arching grass adds movement and blends well with spirea’s structure.