| Growth Rate |
- Speed: Moderate growth rate.
- Mature Size: Grows 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, forming a rounded, mounded shape.
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| Colorful Leaves |
Yes
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| Flowering |
Yes
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| Bloom Color |
Pink
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| Ornamental Berries |
N/A |
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| Disease resistant |
Yes
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| Cold Tolerant |
Yes
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| Heat Tolerant |
Yes
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| Drought Tolerant |
Yes
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| Deer Resistant |
Yes
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| Edible |
No
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| Wildlife Attraction |
- Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
- Wildlife: Deer-resistant, making it suitable for gardens with wildlife pressure.
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| Self-pollinating |
Cross-pollinating
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| Seasonality |
- Season: Spring through Fall
- Flowering Season: Late spring to mid-summer (May to July)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
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| Ideal For |
- 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.
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| Leaf Description |
- 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.
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| Flower Description |
- 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.
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| Pruning & Maintenance |
- 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.
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| Water Needs |
- 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.
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| Light Needs |
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. |
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| Harvesting |
- 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.
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| Fertilizing |
- 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.
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| Additional Care Tips |
- 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.
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| Pollination |
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. |
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| Companion Plants |
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. |
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