Paul Maher writes abut the stunning Spiraea ‘Goldflame’, that is well suited to our
Irish climate.
A shrub that brings colour in foliage and flower
Many gardeners look for permanence in their planting. It means less work and with planning, provides colour and interest as the seasons change. We tend to look at roses, herbaceous plants and bulbs for colour, however, there are many low growing shrubs that give us colour in foliage and flower. Spiraea, commonly known as Bridal Wreath is one such shrub. It gives us all that with the benefit of permanence, minimum maintenance along with colour in foliage and flower.
Spiraea is a genus of flowering shrubs native mainly to China and Japan. They vary in height, foliage and flower colour. It is a shrub that I consider to be well behaved, never wildly exceeding its allotted space. It also sits very easily among a border planted predominantly with herbaceous perennials which perennials die back underground for the winter season leaving behind very little, but Spiraea maintains some structure in a border.
Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’ is a well-formed shrub with interesting leaves that have a dark red-bronze tinge when young and on occasion a variegation of pink and cream, however this is not always present. It grows to a height of 1.2m and in late summer has clusters of dark red flowers.
Slightly smaller in size is Spiraea japonica ‘Dart’s Red’, considered to be an improvement on S japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’ with its narrow-pointed leaves and dark pink flowers. It is a more compact grower to 75cm, so if your space is restricted this works well.
Blooming
Spiraea are easily maintained and with minimum effort maintain their shape and size. They are hardy and survive well in our Irish climate. As with all shrubs, good soil preparation benefits the quality of
growth and flowering. Dig the planting area well and incorporate well-rotted compost. Before planting always soak new plants in a bucket of water until all bubbles stop and then plant immediately.
Water after planting and in their first season of growth monitor drought periods and water accordingly.
Pruning is the key and it is not in any way onerous. Before growth starts trim all shoots back to the original shape or the shape you require. This way you will maintain a colourful shrub in your planting scheme.
This article was first featured in Irish Country Living.
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