Double Play® Red Spirea

The Double Play® Red Spirea, is a deciduous shrub that boasts a multitude of appealing attributes. Characterized by its short stature, this shrub typically reaches a garden height of 24 to 36 inches, with a similar spread, making it a compact yet impactful addition to any landscape. Its spacing requirement ranges from 24 to 48 inches, allowing for ample room to flourish and display its beauty. The shrub's most striking feature is its flower colors, which include shades of pink and red, presenting as deep, crimson pink-red blooms that create a dramatic visual impact. Complementing the flowers, the foliage is a mix of green and red, with the leaves emerging as dark burgundy in spring, adding another layer of color contrast.

The plant's mounded habit makes it a versatile choice for various garden roles, including serving as a thrilling container plant. In terms of its environmental needs, the Double Play® Red Spirea thrives in conditions ranging from part sun to full sun, needing anywhere from 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day to reach its full potential. It falls into the easy maintenance category, requiring minimal care once established. The plant blooms on new wood, with its flowering season peaking in late spring. This hardy shrub is suitable for a wide range of climates, being able to grow in hardiness zones 3a to 8b.

The Double Play® Red Spirea, with its vibrant colors and compact growth, offers a range of landscaping uses:

1. Mixed Borders: Its striking red-pink blooms and burgundy foliage make it an excellent choice for mixed borders. Placed alongside plants with contrasting colors or foliage, it creates a visually dynamic display.
2. Foundation Plantings: Its uniform growth habit and moderate size make it ideal for foundation plantings. It adds color and structure around the base of buildings or along walkways.
3. Mass Plantings: In mass plantings, this spirea creates a bold, cohesive look. Its dense, rounded form and consistent blooming pattern provide an impressive display of color.
4. Container Gardening: Suitable for container gardening, it can be a centerpiece or a complementary plant in mixed container arrangements, especially where space is limited like patios or balconies.
5. Wildlife Gardens: The plant is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition to wildlife or pollinator gardens.
6. Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil in sloped gardens or areas prone to erosion.
7. Accent Planting: It can be used as an accent plant in a garden, drawing attention with its vibrant flowers and foliage.
8. Urban Landscaping: Due to its adaptability and moderate size, it is suitable for urban settings like city gardens, public parks, or street plantings.

Each of these uses leverages the plant's visual appeal and ease of maintenance, making it a versatile choice for various garden styles and purposes.

The Double Play® Red Spirea (Spiraea japonica) is a resilient and visually striking shrub that requires some specific but manageable care and planting guidelines to thrive:

Planting:

1. Timing: The best time to plant is in the spring or early fall, allowing the plant to establish its root system before extreme weather conditions.
2. Location: Choose a location with part sun to full sun exposure (4-6 hours of sunlight daily).
3. Soil: It prefers moist, well-drained soil. The soil should be fertile and have a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
4. Spacing: Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation and room for growth.
5. Planting Process: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring it's at the same depth it was in the container. Fill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.

Care:

1. Watering: Water regularly after planting to establish roots. Once established, it has average water needs, requiring more frequent watering in extreme heat or if planted in containers.
2. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
3. Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring. Heavy pruning should be done during this time, with light pruning permissible after flowering to maintain shape and encourage more blooms.
4. Fertilizing: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
5. Pest and Disease Management: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, but keep an eye out for common issues like leaf spots or aphids. Treat promptly if any signs of infestation or disease are observed.
6. Winter Care: In colder zones, it may die back to the ground in winter. If this happens, it will typically regrow from the roots in spring.

By following these planting and care instructions, your Double Play® Red Spirea should grow successfully, providing a vibrant display of flowers and foliage in your garden.