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Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame'
Goldflame spirea
Species {S. japonica} native to Japan, Korea, and China. 'Goldflame' is a cultivar selected for colored foliageLearn more
Overview
Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' is Goldflame spirea, a compact mounding deciduous shrub growing 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) tall and 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) wide. The foliage color changes through three seasons: bronze-red emerging in spring, maturing to golden-yellow in summer, turning russet-orange to red in fall. Rosy-pink tiny flowers in flat-topped corymbs 3-5 inches (7-13 cm) at branch tips in June-August (6 weeks). Shearing spent flowers encourages a secondary bloom flush. In Rosaceae. Species S. japonica native to Japan, Korea, and China. 'Goldflame' is selected for the three-season foliage color sequence. The golden-yellow summer foliage fades to lime-green in heavy shade — full sun (4+ hours) is required for consistent color. This shade-fading is the primary aesthetic limitation. Occasional green-reverted shoots appear and must be removed promptly — green growth is more vigorous than golden and will overtake the plant. The species S. japonica is classified as invasive in some eastern US states (Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia) — check local regulations before planting. Blooms on new wood. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic. Zones 3-8. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Species S. japonica native to Japan, Korea, and China. 'Goldflame' is a cultivar selected for colored foliage.Suggested Uses
Grown as a low hedge, border edging, mass planting, foundation plant, and in containers of at least 7 gallons (26 L), spaced 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m). Three-season foliage color. Invasive species in some regions — check local status. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 3-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Early to midsummer (June-August). Rosy-pink tiny flowers in flat-topped corymbs 3-5 inches (7-13 cm). 6 weeks of bloom on new wood. Shearing spent clusters encourages secondary bloom. Bee- and butterfly-visited.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Rosy-pink, tiny, in flat-topped corymbs 3-5 inches (7-13 cm) across at branch tipsFoliage Description
Bronze-red emerging in spring, maturing to golden-yellow in summer, turning russet-orange to red in fall — three-season foliage color; occasional green-reverted shoots appear and should be removedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (4-12 hours — full sun for golden foliage; fades to lime-green in shade). Well-drained soil pH 5.0-7.5. Drought-tolerant once established. Remove green-reverted shoots promptly. S. japonica classified as invasive in some eastern US states — check local regulations. Blooms on new wood — prune in late winter (February-March). Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 3-8.Pruning
Prune in late winter (February-March) — blooms on new wood. Cut back to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) above ground for dense compact regrowth. Remove green-reverted shoots at any time — they are more vigorous than golden growth. Shear spent flower clusters for secondary bloom.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons