How to Grow Goldflame Spirea
The Goldflame spirea plant is a cross between Japanese white spirea and common Japanese spirea and it does not grow true to color. This flowering shrub sends out shoots with differing leaf colors and variegations and as a result it makes an interesting accent in the garden. In the spring, the foliage is bronze-colored, changing to a soft yellow green. It has clusters of reddish pink flowers from May to October. In the fall, after the blooms fall, the leaves turn orangish-yellow and bright burgundy. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Goldflame spirea likes a sunny spot, but can thrive in partial shade. It can handle a variety of soil types as long as the soil is well-draining. In the spring, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball. If the root ball is covered in burlap, you can set it right into the hole. Remove any synthetic material around the root ball before planting. Goldflame spirea grows 2 to 4 feet tall and spreads 3 to 4 feet. Be sure to allow plenty of room for your plant to grow. Fill in the hole so that the top of the root ball is just at or above the surface of the ground. Water in well, allowing it drain thoroughly. Do this several times. Mound up some dirt around the perimeter of the hole to act as a catch basin. Mulch with a 2 inch layer of organic mulch.
Be sure the soil is kept moist throughout the first season. After three years, when the plant is well established, it is drought tolerant. Water during drought seasons and let nature take care of it the rest of the time. Make sure the soil is moist before the first freeze. Before growth starts in the spring, apply a general purpose fertilizer. Prune your spirea back to 12 inches above the ground in early spring to promote new growth and more flowering.
