Spiraea japonica Empire™ Yeti™

• Wildlife: Spiraea Yeti™ attracts beneficial wildlife to your garden.
• Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers, making this shrub a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly landscapes.
• Deer & Rabbit Resistance: The plant is generally deer- and rabbit-resistant, thanks to its tough foliage and dense growth habit.

• Seasonality: Deciduous, shedding its leaves in winter and regrowing in early spring.
• Blooming Season: Blooms from late spring to mid-summer (May to July) with a possibility of intermittent blooms throughout the season.
• Winter Interest: The shrub loses its leaves in winter but maintains a structured, upright form that adds subtle texture to the winter garden.

Accent Plant: Its vivid, multicolored foliage and soft pink blooms make it a vibrant focal point.

Low Borders and Edging: Compact, rounded shape is ideal for defining paths or garden edges.

Mass Planting: Excellent for creating a bold, uniform look in landscape designs.

Foundation Planting: Provides seasonal color near patios, entryways, or building foundations.

Mixed Shrub Borders: Adds foliage contrast and bloom interest to layered plantings.

Pollinator Gardens: Attracts beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.

Small Garden Spaces: Suitable for tight areas due to its modest size and tidy habit.

Container Gardening: Can be grown in large pots or planters for colorful patio displays.

• The leaves are medium green, lance-shaped, and finely toothed, providing a fresh, clean look throughout the growing season.
• The foliage maintains its rich green color, which serves as a beautiful backdrop to the striking white flowers.
• In the fall, the leaves may take on subtle hues of yellow or bronze, adding another layer of seasonal interest.

• Yeti™ produces abundant clusters of pure white flowers that cover the plant in late spring.
• The small, star-shaped flowers are borne in flat-topped clusters called corymbs, creating a soft, snow-like effect against the green foliage.
• These flowers attract pollinators and last for several weeks, adding elegance and charm to borders and beds.

• Plant in early spring or fall to allow the roots to establish before the growing season or winter dormancy.
• Yeti™ thrives in well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy or clay soils. Amending with organic matter can improve soil fertility and structure.
• Space plants about 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for natural spreading and healthy air circulation.

• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and to shape the plant. Deadhead spent flowers after blooming to encourage a second flush of flowers later in the season. Light pruning can help maintain a compact form and stimulate new growth.
• Maintenance: Apply mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots during extreme temperatures. Mulching also helps conserve water in dry conditions.

• Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, Yeti™ is drought-tolerant and only requires occasional watering during dry periods.
• Avoid overwatering, as Spiraea prefers slightly dry to moderately moist conditions.

• Full sun to partial shade. For the best flowering and foliage color, plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• In hotter climates, it can tolerate some afternoon shade, but full sun ensures the best blooms and vibrant foliage.

Seed Collection:

• After blooming, the plant forms small, dry seed capsules.
  
• Allow them to dry on the plant by late summer or early fall.
  
• Snip the seed heads, break them open, and collect the fine seeds.
  
• Store seeds in a cool, dry place for future sowing.
  

Foliage Harvest:

• The vibrant spring to early summer foliage can be clipped for floral arrangements.
  
• Choose healthy, colorful stems early in the day for best freshness.
  

Flower Stem Harvest:

• Harvest pink flower clusters when they are fully open but before they fade.
  
• Use in informal or cottage-style arrangements; stems hold well in water for a few days.
  

Pruning for Maintenance and Regrowth:

• Lightly trim after flowering to encourage fresh flushes of foliage and a possible rebloom.
  
• Major shaping or rejuvenation pruning is best done in late winter to early spring before new growth begins.

• When to Fertilize: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. If your soil is fertile, additional fertilization may not be necessary. A layer of compost in spring will also support soil health and plant vigor.
• Pollination: Yeti™ is pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it an important plant for supporting pollinator populations.

• Pests & Diseases: Spiraea Yeti™ is generally pest-free and disease-resistant, but it may occasionally attract aphids or spider mites in hot, dry conditions. Ensure proper air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
• Cold & Heat Tolerance: Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, Yeti™ can handle both cold winters and hot summers. In colder climates, a layer of mulch around the base can help protect the roots during freezing temperatures.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, Yeti™ is fairly drought-tolerant and thrives in low-water gardens, though it will perform best with consistent moisture during extended dry periods.

Spiraea 'Empire Northern Lights' is self-fertile (self-pollinating).

It does not require another plant for pollination to produce viable seeds.

While pollinated by insects such as bees and butterflies, the plant is not primarily grown for fruit or seed production—its value lies in ornamental foliage and flowers.

Heuchera 'Caramel' or 'Obsidian' – contrasting foliage provides richness against spirea’s colorful leaves.

Nepeta 'Walker’s Low' – lavender-blue flowers and spreading form balance the upright blooms of spirea.

Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' – spiky purple blooms offer a strong vertical complement.

Coreopsis 'Zagreb' – soft yellow flowers harmonize with the golden hues of spirea foliage.

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' – provides late-season color and structural contrast.

Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass) – adds motion and texture near the compact spirea form.

Berberis thunbergii ‘Rose Glow’ – dark maroon foliage sets off the spirea’s brighter colors.

Echinacea purpurea – tall, daisy-like flowers add height and attract pollinators.