Nippon Spirea
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of at least 3-5', but can grow to 5-8' tall and 6-9' wide. A dense, upright, mounded shrub. Moderate growth rate.

Native Range

Native to the island of Shikoku, Japan. Introduced about 1885.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are abundant, frothy white, in small corymbs, along the entire length of stems in late May into June. Flowers attract butterflies. Fruits are brown capsules. The numerous, non-showy, small dried fruits persist into the winter, but can be easily removed with a gloved hand if desired.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Leaves are alternate, simple, narrowly elliptical to oblong-obovate, 1-1.5" long. Dark green above but blue-green beneath, with a few teeth along margin near the tip. They have a very short petiole, 0.12-0.16" long. Some yellow fall color, but is not ornamentally attractive. Bark is reddish-brown, branches covered in ridges and exfoliating bark.

Culture and Care

Prefers full sun to light shade, well-drained soil. Transplant from container. Zones 4-7. Very urban-tolerant. Adaptable to poor soils, clay soils, dry soils, acid or alkaline soil, heat and drought. Reportedly tolerant of deer. A light shearing to remove faded flowers will improve the appearance of the plant. Flowers on new wood, so any additional pruning should be done in early March before new growth appears. Generally pest-free, but susceptible to various problems of the rose family, such as fireblight, leaf spots, aphids and scale.

Suggested Uses

Often used as a hedge, or in mixed borders. Good on slopes and embankments, or in cottage gardens and informal gardens.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA