Spring foliage
Common Name: spirea
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Rosaceae
Zone: 4 to 7
Height: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 2.50 feet
Bloom Time: May to June
Bloom Description: Red-purple
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Hedge
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Colorful, Good Fall
Tolerate: Deer, Clay Soil
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Plant in full sun for best foliage color. Tolerates a wide range of growing conditions include clay soils and salt spray. Remove faded flower clusters as practicable (light shearing is an option) to encourage additional bloom. Flowers on new wood, so prune in late winter to early spring if needed.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Spiraea is a genus of about 80 species of deciduous and semi-evergreen shrubs from North Temperate areas of Europe, Asia and North America including Mexico.
Genus name comes from the Greek word speira meaning wreath in reference to the showy flower clusters seen on most shrubs in the genus.
'NCSX1' is a hybrid spiraea selection that features colorful foliage, deep red-purple blooms, and a compact growth habit. Mature plants will reach around 2' tall with a 2.5' spread. The ovate, 2.5" long leaves have toothed margins and emerge bright red in spring before maturing to chartreuse-yellow. The foliage turns shades of red, orange, and purple after the first frost. The terminal flower clusters can reach around 1" wide and and bloom from late spring into early summer, attracting butterflies and other insect pollinators. Commonly sold at nurseries and garden centers under the name DOUBLE PLAY CANDY CORN. This plant is protected by patent number PP28313.
Problems
Susceptible to many of the diseases and insects that attack other rose family members, including leaf spot, fire blight, powdery mildew, root rot, aphids, leaf roller and scale. Deer tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Mass or specimen plantings for borders, cottage gardens or as an informal hedge. Incorporates well into foundation plantings. Suitable for use in large containers.