shrub

Little Princess Spirea

Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess'

 

 
Little Princess Spirea (Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess') at Green Glen Nursery

Little Princess Spirea flowers

Little Princess Spirea flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Little Princess Spirea (Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess') at Green Glen Nursery

Little Princess Spirea in bloom

Little Princess Spirea in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  24 inches

Spread:  3 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  3a

Description:

A deservedly popular garden detail shrub with showy flat-topped clusters of bright pink flowers in early summer held above the foliage; forms a dense and tight mound, very attractive in groupings; needs full sun and well-drained soil

Ornamental Features

Little Princess Spirea is draped in stunning clusters of pink flowers at the ends of the branches from late spring to early summer. It has emerald green deciduous foliage which emerges chartreuse in spring. The small serrated pointy leaves turn an outstanding coppery-bronze in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Little Princess Spirea is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Little Princess Spirea is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Little Princess Spirea will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Rock  Garden 
Applications
Flowers  Fall Color  Plant Form  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features