Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame', Goldflame spirea
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Deciduous Shrubs

Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame'

Goldflame spirea

RosaceaeJapan, Korea, China (cultivar)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageDeciduous
Height3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m)
Width3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' is a compact deciduous shrub reaching 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) tall with a spread of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m), developing a dense, rounded, mounding form. The primary ornamental feature is the color-changing foliage: new growth emerges bronze-red to copper-orange in spring, matures to golden-yellow with greenish tones in summer, and turns coppery-orange to russet in fall. Leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to lanceolate, 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long, sharply serrate. Flowers are rosy-pink, tiny, borne in flat-topped terminal corymbs 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) across in June to August. A second, lighter flush of bloom may occur if spent flowers are removed. Growth rate is moderate at 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) per year. Classified as potentially invasive in some areas of the Pacific Northwest; Spiraea japonica is listed as a noxious weed in several states. Monitor for seedling spread and remove seedlings. Foliage color is most vivid in full sun; plants in shade tend toward green with less color variation. Occasional green-leaved reversions may occur; remove these promptly as they are more vigorous and will overtake the colored foliage.

Native Range

The species Spiraea japonica is native to Japan, Korea, and China. The cultivar 'Goldflame' is a garden selection. The species is classified as invasive in parts of the Pacific Northwest and eastern North America.

Suggested Uses

Planted in mixed borders, foundation plantings, and mass plantings where the color-changing foliage provides season-long interest, spaced 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) apart. The golden foliage contrasts effectively with purple-leaved plants (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo', Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace'). Low informal hedging. Monitor for invasive spread — check local noxious weed lists before planting. Suitable for containers (minimum 7-gallon).

How to Identify

Identified by the distinctive color-changing foliage (bronze-red emerging, golden-yellow in summer, russet in fall), compact mounding habit, and flat-topped clusters of rosy-pink flowers in summer. Distinguished from 'Little Princess' by the golden-yellow (not green) summer foliage and slightly larger size. Distinguished from Spiraea × bumalda 'Gold Mound' by rosy-pink (not pink) flowers and bronze-red (not yellow) new growth.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink

Foliage Colors

yellow

Fall Foliage Colors

orange
red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
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Summer
Rosy-pink flowers in flat-topped corymbs appear in June to August, lasting 4-6 weeks. Deadheading spent flower clusters promotes a lighter second flush of bloom in late summer. Flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Rosy-pink

Foliage Description

Bronze-red emerging, golden-yellow summer, russet fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant. Plant in full sun for the most vivid foliage color; part shade is tolerated but produces less colorful, greener foliage. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Deadhead spent flower clusters to promote rebloom and prevent seed set (important given the species' invasive potential). Remove any green-leaved reverted shoots promptly at their point of origin. Monitor for and remove seedlings in garden beds.

Pruning

Prune in late winter (February through March) before new growth. Cut back by one-third to one-half to maintain compact form and promote vigorous new growth with the best foliage color. Can be sheared to a formal shape. Remove dead and twiggy interior growth. Remove green-leaved reversions at any time. Deadhead spent flower clusters during the growing season. Rejuvenate overgrown plants by cutting to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) from the ground in late winter.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 7 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic