Spiraea
Discover the Spiraea collection from Proven Winners®! These strong shrubs surprise with colourful foliage in shades ranging from green to orange, yellow and even bluish. They also flower abundantly in late spring and early summer with flowers in a variety of colours. Versatile, easy and compact.
Spiraea: colour, flowers and structure in one shrub
Spiraea, also known as meadowsweet, is one of the most versatile flowering shrubs for the garden. It is a popular ornamental shrub, best known for its rich flowering and versatility in the garden. There are countless species and varieties, each with their own flowering period, flower colour and growth habit. There are spring bloomers that flower on the previous year's wood (arguta, nipponica and vanhouttei types) and summer bloomers that flower on annual wood (japonica types). Most varieties are compact, undemanding in terms of location and low-maintenance – exactly what you want as a gardener.
The Proven Winners® range includes the Double Play® series, which features Double Play® Doozie®, Big Bang, Gold and Blue Kazoo. These selections have been developed to offer something extra in addition to their rich flowering: colourful foliage. This means that these varieties also have ornamental value outside the flowering period and are therefore interesting for several seasons.
Why Spiraea is always a good choice
Spiraea is known for its reliable, compact growth and abundant flowering. The shrub is hardy, low-maintenance and attracts bees and butterflies to the garden. In addition to its beautiful and abundant flowering, some varieties have a double ornamental value: striking leaf colours.
Spiraea is easy to care for, making it ideal for novice gardeners, while experienced gardening enthusiasts appreciate its versatility. Whether in a small city garden, a sleek border or a rural planting scheme, Spiraea fits in anywhere.
Location and soil
Spiraea grows in locations where it receives at least four hours of direct sunlight, but thrives best with six hours or more. In full sun, it develops the most beautiful leaf colour and the most flowers. In warmer areas, it can benefit from a spot in the afternoon shade to prevent it from burning. Well-drained soil is important; otherwise, Spiraea is not demanding. It also thrives in sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance: little work, big effect
Spiraea is easy to maintain. The plant does not need to be pruned, but you can prune it into shape if you wish to improve its appearance. For summer bloomers, do this in early spring. Spring bloomers should be pruned immediately after flowering. Summer bloomers can also be pruned after flowering to encourage colourful new growth. You can also remove old branches to keep the shrub young and vigorous. No special fertiliser is required. If desired, you can apply a granular fertiliser for flowering shrubs in late winter/early spring, when the soil is workable.
Use in the garden
Spiraea is a real all-rounder in the garden. Thanks to its compact growth and exuberant flowering, it fits into almost any design – from sleek modern borders to loose, natural plantings. You can use Spiraea as a low hedge, in groups along paths or as a solitary eye-catcher in a border. Its abundance of flowers and colourful foliage bring both structure and vibrancy.
Compact varieties such as the Double Play® series from Proven Winners® also do very well in smaller gardens or large pots. This allows you to enjoy colour season after season, without much maintenance.
The Double Play® series: modern Spiraea with extra colour
The Double Play® selections from Proven Winners® give a contemporary twist to this classic shrub.
The Double Play® series from Proven Winners® gives a modern twist to the classic Spiraea. In addition to rich flowering, these varieties have striking leaf colours and remain beautifully compact.
Double Play® Artist's red-coloured young shoots turn into dark green leaves, which contrast beautifully with the deep pink flowers. Double Play® Big Bang is a colour explosion with changing leaves that stands out with extra large pink flowers. Double Play® Blue Kazoo blooms with large white flowers and unusual green-blue leaves with young shoots that add a touch of dark red and lime.
Double Play® Candy Corn® immediately stands out with its leaves that change colour from red to orange and yellow, accompanied by cheerful pink flowers.
Double Play® Doozie® is unique because it blooms non-stop almost all summer long as it does not form seeds, putting all its energy into producing new flowers.
Double Play® Gold is fresh and light, with yellow leaves and soft pink blooms, perfect for smaller gardens or pots.
Double Play® Red is a breakthrough in flower colour, blooming with red flowers combined with red young shoots.
Proven Winners® has also developed another beautiful Spiraea: Spiraea Wedding Cake®. This is an improved version of “Snowmound” due to its compact growth habit. It blooms profusely in early spring with white flowers that contrast beautifully with the small dark green leaves.
Spiraea in your garden!
Spiraea is an easy-care shrub that combines rich flowering and compact growth in one strong plant. The Proven Winners® Double Play® selections add beautiful, vibrant leaf colours and sometimes extra-long flowering. This makes Spiraea a perfect plant for any garden!
FAQ
When does Spiraea flower?
The flowering time depends on the variety. Early Spiraea bloom in April and May with clouds of flowers, while summer bloomers – such as Spiraea japonica – bring colour from May to June. Double Play® Doozie® from Proven Winners® surprises with extra-long flowering until the end of summer.
How do I prune Spiraea?
Prune spring-flowering varieties immediately after flowering, as they form their new flower buds in the summer. Summer-flowering varieties should be pruned in early spring, so that they produce fresh shoots that will flower profusely later in the year. Summer-flowering varieties can also be pruned after flowering to keep the plant fresh and stimulate the growth of young shoots. To keep the shrub young and compact, remove a few older branches down to the ground every few years.
Is Spiraea hardy?
Yes, Spiraea is extremely hardy – most varieties can tolerate temperatures down to around -25 °C. Even after a harsh winter, they will simply sprout again in the spring.
What is the ideal location for Spiraea?
Spiraea flowers most profusely in a sunny spot with well-drained, not too wet soil. The more sun, the more intense the leaf colour – especially in the modern Proven Winners® selections with colourful leaves. They also do well in partial shade, although flowering and leaf colour may be slightly less exuberant.
Can Spiraea be grown in small gardens or pots?
Absolutely! Compact varieties, such as Double Play® Doozie®, Big Bang® and Gold, have been specially developed for smaller gardens and borders. They remain low, grow neatly and can even be placed in large pots on a terrace or balcony without requiring much maintenance.