Spiraea japonica Poprocks™ Rainbow Fizz™ ('Matgold')

• Pollinators: Rainbow Fizz™ attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers. These pollinators benefit from the plant's early-season bloom.
  
  Birds: After the blooming period, the plant produces small seeds that can attract birds looking for food, especially in the fall and winter months.

• Spring to Summer: Rainbow Fizz™ begins to bloom in late spring, producing a profusion of vibrant pink and white flowers that brighten up the landscape. The foliage emerges yellow in spring, then gradually turns a green-yellow shade by summer. The colorful flowers continue throughout early summer, offering a vibrant display for weeks.
  
• Fall: In the fall, the leaves transition from green-yellow to gold and reddish hues, creating an attractive display. The plant’s dynamic foliage adds seasonal interest to the garden.
  
  Winter: During winter, Rainbow Fizz™ enters dormancy, shedding its leaves. While bare, the shrub’s compact form and graceful habit still offer structure and interest to the winter garden.

• Leaves: The leaves of Rainbow Fizz™ are initially a bright, chartreuse yellow in spring. As the season progresses, they change to a green-yellow hue with a slight reddish tint, adding dimension and texture to the shrub. In the fall, the foliage transforms into vibrant golds and reds, providing stunning seasonal color.
  
• Fall Color: As fall approaches, the leaves turn to brilliant shades of gold, yellow, and red, ensuring Rainbow Fizz™ remains visually appealing even after the flowers have faded.
  
  Texture: The leaves are finely serrated and smooth, adding texture and interest to the shrub's compact, rounded form.

• Flower Description: Rainbow Fizz™ produces clusters of small, pink and white flowers in late spring and early summer. The flowers are delicate and bloom in dense clusters, creating a striking contrast against the vibrant yellow and green foliage. The flowers provide a burst of color, adding visual interest to the shrub and attracting pollinators.
  
• Flower Longevity: The flowers bloom for several weeks and will continue to appear in new clusters throughout the blooming season. Regular deadheading after the main bloom cycle encourages the plant to produce more flowers.
  
  

• Best Time to Plant: The best time to plant Rainbow Fizz™ is in early spring, after the last frost, or fall, before the first frost. These seasons provide the plant with optimal conditions to establish roots before the extremes of summer or winter.
  
• Planting Instructions: Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Rainbow Fizz™ thrives in moist, well-drained soil and will perform best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Dig a hole that is at least twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil, firm it gently, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
  
• Spacing: Space plants about 2–3 feet apart to allow for their mature size and ensure proper airflow, which helps prevent disease.
  
  

• Pruning Time: Prune Rainbow Fizz™ in early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood and trim the plant to maintain its compact shape.
  
• Pruning Tips: Regular deadheading after the main bloom period will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. If needed, prune back older, non-productive stems to promote fresh growth. Light shaping will help maintain its dense, rounded form.
  
  Maintenance Pruning: Rainbow Fizz™ generally requires light pruning to maintain shape. Avoid heavy pruning, as this could reduce the number of flowers the plant produces.

• Watering: Rainbow Fizz™ requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during dry periods. It performs best in moist, well-drained soil, but it does not like to sit in waterlogged conditions.
  
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, Rainbow Fizz™ is somewhat drought-tolerant but performs best with regular moisture during the growing season, particularly while it is blooming.
  
• Watering Tip: Water at the base of the plant to ensure the roots are hydrated and avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
  
  

Rainbow Fizz™ thrives in full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal blooming and vibrant foliage color. In areas with very hot summers, it can benefit from afternoon shade to protect it from excessive heat and ensure it maintains its colorful foliage.

While Rainbow Fizz™ is primarily grown for its ornamental value, you can harvest branches with flowers for use in floral arrangements or crafts. The small seed pods that follow the blooms can also be harvested, although they are primarily for bird food.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, before new growth begins. This will support healthy foliage, abundant flowers, and strong growth throughout the growing season.
  
  Fertilizer Tip: Avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen content, as they can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. A balanced fertilizer will support healthy flowering and overall plant health.

Rainbow Fizz™ produces both male and female flowers and is self-pollinating, meaning it does not require another plant for pollination. However, planting it near other pollinator-friendly plants can enhance overall pollination and result in more prolific blooms.

• Perennials: Pair with perennials like Daylilies, Hostas, or Coreopsis for added texture and contrast.
  
• Shrubs: Combine with other small flowering shrubs such as Weigela, Viburnum, or Hydrangea for a layered, multi-textured garden.
  
  Groundcovers: Use low-growing groundcovers like Ajuga or Liriope to enhance the appearance of Rainbow Fizz™ and provide additional color and texture.