Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame'

• Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
• Wildlife: Deer-resistant, making it suitable for gardens with wildlife pressure.

• Season: Spring through Fall
• Flowering Season: Late spring to mid-summer (May to July)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8

• Foundation Planting: Its compact form and vibrant foliage make it excellent for planting around buildings.
  
• Low Hedges or Borders: Bright golden leaves and pink blooms provide striking contrast and structure.
  
• Mass Planting: Creates colorful, uniform ground coverage in larger garden beds.
  
• Accent Plant: Adds a pop of seasonal color with spring foliage and summer flowers.
  
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Complements a variety of textures and colors in multi-layered plantings.
  
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich blooms.
  
• Small-Space or Urban Gardens: Suitable for compact areas due to its manageable size.
  
• Container Gardening: Can be used in large containers for patios or decks with regular care.
  
  

• Color: New foliage emerges bronze-red, turns bright yellow-green in summer, and changes to vivid orange-red in fall.
• Shape: Ovate leaves with a slightly serrated edge.
• Size: Leaves grow 1-3 inches long, creating a dense, mounded appearance.

• Color: Clusters of soft pink flowers form flat-topped heads.
• Bloom Time: Blooms from late spring through mid-summer, providing a long-lasting display.
• Size of Blooms: Flower clusters are 3-4 inches wide, creating an eye-catching contrast against the colorful foliage.

• Best Time to Plant: Early spring or fall, allowing the shrub time to establish before extreme temperatures.

Planting Instructions:

• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for mature growth and good 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 wood and shape the plant. Light pruning after the first bloom can encourage a second, smaller bloom later in the season.
• Winter Care: 'Goldflame' is cold-hardy to USDA Zone 4 and does not require special winter care. Its colorful fall foliage adds interest even after the growing season ends.

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering during dry spells.
• Drought Tolerance: Moderately drought-tolerant once established but prefers consistent moisture during prolonged dry periods.

Full sun to partial shade. 'Goldflame' performs best in full sun (6+ hours of sunlight per day) for the most vibrant foliage color and abundant blooms.

• When to Harvest: Flowers can be harvested when fully open for fresh arrangements, or the vibrant fall leaves can be collected for dried arrangements.
• How to Harvest: Use sharp pruning shears to cut flower stems or colorful fall branches for ornamental purposes.

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

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

Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its nectar-rich blooms. Its pink flower clusters provide a valuable food source for pollinators during late spring and early summer.

Berberis thunbergii (e.g., 'Crimson Pygmy') – for bold foliage contrast.

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' – provides late-season interest and drought tolerance.

Juniperus horizontalis – evergreen groundcover to contrast with the spirea’s bright foliage.

Echinacea purpurea – tall, colorful blooms that attract pollinators.

Lavandula angustifolia – offers fragrance and texture contrast.

Heuchera cultivars – foliage diversity complements spirea’s golden hues.

Pennisetum alopecuroides – ornamental grasses add motion and structure.

Coreopsis verticillata – bright yellow flowers echo the foliage tones.