Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess' (Little Princess Spiraea)

Michael's Opinion

Not as popular as Goldflame but an ideal plant as a specimen or accent plant. It can, because of its size be used in pseudo rock gardens. Unlike Goldflame it is grown for its delicate green foliage topped with pink blooms in late spring. It may reach a height of 20 cm.

Botanical Information

FamilyRosaceae
GenusSpiraea
Speciesjaponica
Cultivar'Little Princess'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (deciduous)
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4 - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-32) - (-7)
Temperature (°F)(-25) - 20
Height60 cm
Spread80 cm
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodMay, June, July

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThis plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. Suitable for a ground cover or a dwarf specimen.
ID CharacteristicMounding habit with masses of rose blooms in summer. Slender branches have mint-green foliage. Autumn colour is dark red.
ShapeUpright and rounded.
LandscapeRock gardens or as a hedge.
CultivationMedium, well drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
Notable SpecimensThe Gardens of Fanshawe College (Conifer Garden), London, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Leaf DescriptionSimple, alternate, ovate to ovate-oblong and are 2.5-7.5 cm long. Lustrous dark green and glaucescent beneath. Autumn colour is dark red.
Flower DescriptionSmall pink flowers are clustered together to form a flat-top bunch.
Colour DescriptionFoliage is mint-green and dark red in autumn. Flowers are rosy pink.

Photographs